A pub has lifted a temporary ban on dogs after a deadly virus outbreak in Worcester.
The Retreat Inn in Norton had introduced the ban in early September over concerns about the spread of canine parvovirus, a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus that affects dogs.
Wendy Sayce, landlady of The Retreat Inn, said: "We did originally state that the ban would only be for the month and then we would look again.
"The people who have said that we do not like dogs are totally mistaken.
"We have our own dogs.
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"Our regulars who have dogs completely understood why we did this and appreciated us looking out for their dogs.
"There have been a lot of cases and deaths.
"We haven't even let our own dogs in the pub.
"This disease can be carried in on your shoes."
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Dogs were welcomed back into The Retreat Inn in Norton during the second week in October.
In September there were multiple reported cases of the virus in Malvern and Worcester with The Worcester Vet Group, which runs Ambleside Vets and St Peters Vets, confirming that a dog had died from the disease.
Ms Sayce added: "We are just asking people to make sure their dogs are fully vaccinated and they must be kept on a leash.
"Local vets are telling people not to walk their dogs where there have been a lot of dogs nor let your dog play with dogs they do not know.
"The ban has affected business but we expected it too. As far as we know, the outbreak is not over."
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