Bath Cats and Dogs Home has had to close after two puppies died of the highly infectious Parvo Virus.

The puppies were among a litter brought into the huge rehoming centre at Claverton Down, Bath, last week.

The home has been closed temporarily as a precautionary measure and staff there say that all necessary steps have been taken to limit the spread of the disease.

Animal care manager Jackie Dalton said: "We believe that the Parvo Virus was brought into the home by a litter of puppies that was rescued last week.

"Unfortunately, two of these puppies have now died, however, the remaining two are making good progress.

"The Parvo Virus is a very serious and highly infectious disease which affects all unvaccinated dogs and if not caught and treated early enough can result in a very painful death.

"I cannot stress the importance of getting your dog inoculated to protect them from this devastating disease."