Shelter virus 'may be contained'

Several dogs have been infected and two puppies have died

Bath Cats and Dogs Home hopes to reopen on Tuesday after being temporarily shut by an outbreak of the potentially fatal canine parvovirus.

Several dogs were infected, two puppies died and a number of other animals have been treated.

The disease is highly infectious and is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their faeces.

The outbreak has meant the postponement of a fund-raising Christmas fair which was due to be held this weekend.

Manager Jackie Dalton said: "I think we've got to have seven clear days without [another dog] going down with it to enable us to reopen.

"Touch wood we haven't had anything else, so we're just keeping our fingers crossed at the moment."

The Christmas fair, together with a planned carol service, will be rescheduled.