(Hammond) -- It's a bit troubling to hear, but 170 cats and dogs being held at the Tangipahoa Parish Animal Shelter have been euthanized due to some unknown virus that sickened some of the animals.
All were put down on Monday after parish officials consulted with two state agencies and two veterinarians.
While the parish's President Gordon Burgess defended the action, animal rescue workers believe it was unnecessary to euthanize all of the animals.
The shelter will remained closed for at least the rest of the week.