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.
Full Of Mange And Pain, This Puppy Dog Had Never Been Loved. Then The Miracle Happened !
Meet Thomas, a stray dog who was discovered in appalling condition on Houston’s streets. Thomas, who was just eight months old, was suffering from a terrible skin infection that was causing him excruciating pain and blood loss. Fortunately, a dedicated team of veterinarians and animal lovers came to his aid, and after five months of care, Thomas has changed into a happy, healthy, and adorable pup.
When Thomas was discovered, he was in such a bad condition that he couldn’t even eat. All he could do was snuggle up on his bed and attempt to get some relief from the anguish. The clinic’s team of veterinarians worked tirelessly to heal his skin infection and provide him with the care he required.
Thomas began to show signs of progress as the days passed. He began wagging his tail and begging for attention from people around him. Thanks to the careful care he received, the previously fearful and suffering puppy was gradually becoming a lively and affectionate dog.
Thomas’ metamorphosis was not instant. It took the team of veterinarians and animal lovers who took him in five months of regular treatment, love, and attention. However, their efforts were rewarded, and Thomas is now an entirely different dog. He’s happy and healthy, a far cry from the terrified and suffering pup found on the streets.
Only kindness and love might have resulted in this dog’s amazing metamorphosis. We will be eternally grateful to the rescuers for saving Thomas’ life! Thomas’ rehabilitation is a brilliant example of what can be accomplished when people band together to aid those who cannot help themselves.
So, what happens next for Thomas? He’s ready to find a loving permanent home where he can grow and provide delight to everyone around him now that he’s found his newfound health and happiness. Thomas has a bright future ahead of him, full of love and numerous tail wags, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the team who saved him.
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