I have personally witnessed the devastating effects of an outbreak of Canine Distemper in my county, which originated from our local animal adoption center. The center had agreed to foster some canines that were supposed to be negative for Canine Distemper, but had possibly been exposed. However, these animals were not held for the entire incubation period and subsequently tested positive for distemper after our center accepted them. This led to a severe epidemic of distemper in our region, and affected hundreds if not thousands of animals, even wildlife.

This situation could have been avoided if there were laws in place requiring animal clinics, pet adoption facilities, non-profit pet adoption or fostering programs, etc., to hold any canine or other animal that has been exposed to contagious diseases like Canine Distemper or Parvovirus until they have a series of negative tests after the last possible date of the incubation period.

According to statistics from American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), contagious diseases such as Parvovirus and Canine Distemper are responsible for high mortality rates among dogs especially puppies. These diseases are preventable with proper quarantine measures and testing protocols.

Therefore, we call upon local and federal governments to enact legislation making it illegal for any entity dealing with animals' care and rehoming not only to release but also adopt out any animal exposed to contagious diseases without conducting thorough testing post their potential incubation periods. This will ensure that no community has to face what ours did - an avoidable epidemic caused by negligence.

Please sign this petition today so we can protect both animals and communities from preventable disease outbreaks, especially from outbreaks of Canine Distemper, which can affect a multitude of animals, not just puppies and dogs.