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.
“Reunion of Hearts: Mother Dog Embraces Her Long-Lost Puppy After Years of Tearful Separation 💖🐾
“In the face of Dora’s heartbreaking situation, our team embarked on a mission to rescue and care for her. Arriving at the scene, we witnessed her perilous attempts to navigate traffic, dodging speeding cars that threatened her safety. It was clear we needed to intervene swiftly to prevent further harm.
Upon closer examination, Dora’s condition was dire. Injuries from a previous accident hindered her ability to walk, and her skin bore the scars of harsh weather, causing her to lose fur. Determined to help, we brought Dora into our care, providing a safe haven for her to receive the necessary medical attention.
Under the vigilant care of veterinarians, Dora began the healing process. Treatment for her injuries and dedicated care led to a gradual recovery of her skin and a newfound strength in her step.
As Dora’s health improved, we showered her with love and support, helping her regain not only physical strength but also confidence. Her transformation was remarkable – she walked with ease, and her fur grew back, restoring her appearance.
Recognizing that Dora deserved a forever home filled with love and security, we set out to find the perfect family. After an extensive search, we connected with a wonderful family eager to welcome her into their lives.
With her new family, Dora thrived, experiencing a life brimming with love, comfort, and companionship. Her incredible journey stands as a testament to the resilience, hope, and the unbreakable bond that exists between humans and animals.”
Leave a Reply