A council in Australia killed the impounded animals to prevent volunteers at an animal shelter from travelling to pick them up and potentially spreading the virus.
Fifteen rescue dogs, including 10 puppies, have been shot dead by a rural Australian council under its interpretation of coronavirus restrictions.
Bourke Shire Council in New South Wales destroyed the canines, which had been at its pound, to prevent volunteers at an animal shelter from travelling to pick them up and potentially spreading the virus.
“The council decided to take this course of action to protect its employees and community, including vulnerable Aboriginal populations, from the risk of COVID-19 transmission,” the Office of Local Government, a government watchdog, told The Sydney Morning Herald.
The spokesman said officials were investigating whether any animal cruelty laws had been broken.
Five of the dogs had been housed at the pound since early August and one of the dogs then had 10 pups.
The council said staff became concerned for the welfare of the animals due to overcrowding at the pound and two of the dogs attacking one of the others.
A source said the shelter volunteers were distressed and already had COVID-safe measures in place to handle the dogs.
And comedian Ricky Gervais has expressed his disapproval of the killings on social media.
Bourke Shire Council told ABC News the dogs were euthanised because the rescue organisation was from another local government area and they had concerns about people from other communities entering Bourke.
All of regional New South Wales has “stay-at-home” orders in place due to COVID-19.
The council said it had contacted its usual dog rehomer, who is based in the same area, but they were unable to come to Bourke.
The shelter that was supposed to receive the dogs declined to comment.
Animal Liberation regional campaign manager Lisa Ryan has called for an urgent investigation.
“We are deeply distressed and completely appalled by this callous dog shooting and we totally reject [the] council’s unacceptable justifications that this killing was apparently undertaken as part of a COVID-safe plan,” she said.
Australia has recently seen a surge in COVID-19 cases, forcing the country’s largest city, Sydney, to extend its lockdown through September and impose tougher restrictions, such as a curfew and a mask mandate outdoors.
Staff are allowed to work at animal shelters even when lockdown measures are in place, according to the Office of Local Government spokesman.
“Councils are also encouraged to continue to work with re-homing organisations and volunteers to care for animals, where that can be undertaken consistent with NSW Health advice,” he added.
Against All Odds: The Heartwarming Tale of a Tiny Roadside Survivor’s Courage and Triumph.
When we received an urgent call about Ollie, our hearts sank at the thought of a scared puppy fending for himself on the streets. Determined to make a difference, we rushed to find him and provide the comfort and safety he deserved.
Our search for Ollie led us through alleys and hidden corners, checking under tables, behind dumpsters, and in every nook and cranny until we spotted him.
Huddled beneath a table, Ollie was visibly frightened and alone. It appeared that his owner had heartlessly abandoned him to face the harsh realities of life on the streets. Our hearts went out to him, and we were determined to offer our help.
Speaking to Ollie with gentle reassurance, he began to trust us, though the fear still lingered in his eyes. Carefully, we lifted him up and transported him to our car, ensuring he was warm and comfortable on the way to the shelter.
At the shelter, Ollie received a thorough checkup, nutritious meals, and a cozy bed. With time, his physical and emotional wounds began to heal, and a glimmer of hope returned to his eyes.
As Ollie regained his strength, we guided him through the process of socializing with other animals and people. He learned to trust again, proving that he could not only receive love but also reciprocate it.
With Ollie’s remarkable improvement, we set out to find him a forever home with a family who would cherish and care for him. After a thorough search, we found the perfect match. The adopting family embraced Ollie with open arms and love, assuring us that he would have a lifetime of happiness in their care.
Leave a Reply