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.
Barely able to lift her head, this poor dog has learned to communicate with her gaze, conveying a poignant and sorrowful tale.
When He Saw His Saviors, He Used the Last of His Strength to Wag His Tail in Thanks
Early morning on 15 Jan, ONG Paraíso dos Focinhos got report about this dog, they were totally shocked.
A lady found this poor dog on her way to work. It might abandoned there for a while, couldn’t stand up, couldn’t eat food she supplied or understand.
The kind lady couldn’t transport the weak dog to her office, so she took few images, filmed a short movie & submitted to ONG Paraíso dos Focinhos.
Before leaving, she also covered it with her blanket. The dog waved his tail as pleading her don’t abandon him.
Rescue squad went there as swiftly as they could. The poor dog was in a lot of discomfort and totally dehydrated.
They took blood test to see if if he has synopsis. Blood transfusion is needed as he couldn’t eat adequately.
The brave boy gained 4 pounds in just few days, but he still couldn’t stand up and walk correctly.
They named her Dega, and she started to gain appetize about day 7.
After 3 weeks, Dega’s leg was considerably stronger and still quite slender and couldn’t run correctly.
3 months after they found her. She’s so different now and it’s time to reunion with her rescuer…
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