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.
Till these kind rescuers showed up, a stray puppy with his ear severed cried out for help.
With increased interest in animal welfare, groups and institutions are springing up all over the world to rescue and protect animals in distress. This heartwarming story is about a dog rescued from the streets by an Indian animal protection organization. The puppy was badly injured in one ear when it was discovered. His appearance, crying out in agony, breaks the rescuer’s heart. However, the puppy’s behavior changed dramatically after that.
A white dog was discovered on the streets of India one day. The rescuers quickly phoned Animal Aid, an Indian charity that saves and protects animals.
What sort of dog is requesting assistance… Rescue personnel that arrived on the spot were misled. When they noticed the puppy, they took a brief pause.
One ear of the puppy, who was whimpering and sitting on the road’s edge, hung down and was nearly ripped.
A puppy screaming in agony and dangling his bloodied ears. Because it hurt so much, he wailed and tossed his head from side to side. The rescuer approaches the puppy gently and quietly.
The dog, on the other hand, was terrified and in pain. She wept and retreated from Zurizuri and her rescuers.
Close inspection indicates that the hair is sticking to the surrounding dust, grass, and dust.
The rescuer provided food to the dog, but the puppy was in such much pain that he refused any food.
In the face of such a dog, rescue workers never give up. I wish to relieve this child’s pain. She might have other injuries.
He took his time approaching the puppy and wrapped a blanket around his body. The puppy was then wrapped in a blanket and transported to the Animal Aid center.
The puppy was promptly sedated upon arrival at the institution, and veterinarian care commenced.
His ears, which are only held together by a sliver of tissue, are medically removed and meticulously sutured. After the dramatic rescue play, the puppy was finally able to rest calmly.
“Banjo” was subsequently given to the dog. In his case, he has only two ears, which is a dog trait. He was also two weeks post-surgery.
Banjo has undergone a significant transformation!
Banjo’s presence two weeks later thrilled the audience. When Banjo was discovered, he was absolutely scared and shaking.
He is now going around and playing with other dogs and people.
The puppy’s mischievous side is also coming to life. Nobody who discovered him realized he was such a fun and attractive dog at the time.
Some people may ask if it’s okay for a dog to be deaf in one ear. In the case of Banjo, though, he seemed indifferent about losing one of his ears.
I hope Banjo, who has made a moving change, will continue to live happily.
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