A VILLAGE pub has banned all dogs from visiting the business after a deadly virus outbreak in Worcester.
The Retreat Inn in Norton has banned dogs to stop the spread of parvovirus following multiple reports of cases in Malvern and Worcester.
Yesterday (September 8), The Worcester Vet Group, which runs Ambleside Vets and St Peters Vets, confirmed a case of canine parvovirus and that the dog had since died.
With pub dogs already at The Retreat Inn, staff made the difficult decision to ban visiting four-legged friends to help protect them. However, the policy will be reviewed in October.
In a statement online, The Retreat Inn in Norton said: “This is a post we never expected to share with you; however, due to recent news, we knew that we had to do something.
“As some of you may be aware, there have been cases of Parvovirus in areas close to us. We sat on this information for a bit because we truly don’t want to have to change our rules, but we have dogs ourselves, and we must do all we can to protect them. Therefore, until further notice, dogs will no longer be allowed in The Retreat Inn.
“This does not mean this will last forever; we plan to revisit the issue next month to allow us to react accordingly.
“To those who have lost their dogs due to the virus, our hearts break for you, and we wish you healing. We are truly sorry for your loss.
“To those who have dogs, please ensure they are up to date with vaccinations!
“We apologise for this sudden change in policy, but protecting our pets is important to us, and we hope you all understand.”
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Staff added that the pub is popular with dogs, but the sooner the disease is contained, the better, and that they do not want to be responsible for any dogs getting ill.
No other pubs in Worcester appear to be making similar policy changes.
Fred Jones, landlord of the Imperial Tavern, said that the outbreak was not something he had been given any guidance on from head office, and he had had no alerts.
Adding that it was business as usual, but if he was to get notified, the pub would take the necessary steps.
