Misconceptions about dogs and coronavirus making local group's rescue efforts difficult

The rescues have come to a halt because of fears animals can transmit the virus. Officials with the World Health Organization say there’s no evidence they can spread coronavirus.

Muu-Muu is a fun-loving Border Collie full of life. Her owner, Jill Stewart, said the dog was rescued about a year ago.

"Muu-Muu was rescued from the meat trade," Stewart said. "She was originally on a meat truck."

"Once the virus hit, everything came to a standstill," Stewart said.

Volunteers haven’t been able to rescue animals in China since Jan. 15. Stewart was supposed to board a plane Thursday to Shanghai to bring back seven more dogs. She said fears over animals carrying the virus are unnecessary.

"This virus, and I can't stress this enough, does not come from domestic animals, cats and dogs," Stewart said. "It cannot be transmitted for humans."

Stewart added shelters in China are backed up and she fears the ongoing travel ban will make matters worse.

"This, unfortunately, has led our rescue to have an overflow of any animals that was already a saturated rescue," Stewart said. "We are no longer able to move any dogs out."

The group is still finding ways to support the lovable dogs from thousands of miles away.

"We are sending medication, we're sending food, we're sending supplies to China to help," Stewart said. "An overabundance until the ban is lifted."

China Rescue Dogs is looking for an organization or company willing to donate a cargo plane that’ll make getting the 150 dogs to the US once the ban is lifted.​