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.
Canine Companions: Dogs as Heartwarming Friends with Unparalleled Love and Compassion
Meet Kylo, the rescue dog who’s overflowing with gratitude for his second chance at life. Saved from a shelter, Kylo’s heartwarming desire is to snuggle and embrace his human mom the moment she steps into their home.
Meghan Sweers, Kylo’s new owner, shares their heartwarming story. “As soon as I sit down to remove my shoes, he eagerly climbs into my lap, seeking comfort,” Meghan says. “If I delay our cuddle time, he follows me around, wearing the most soulful, pleading expression until I finally give in and hold him.”
But life wasn’t always this perfect for Kylo. When he was just 10 months old, he found himself surrendered to a shelter. After a period in a foster home with no one showing interest in the goofy dog, fate smiled upon Kylo when Sweers and her husband came into his life.
Kylo’s first night in their home couldn’t have been better. “He nestled into my lap, tucking his head under my chin, and serenaded us with his gentle snores,” Sweers reminisces. “From that moment, my husband and I knew he was meant to stay with us.”
Now, Kylo, the dog with a penchant for hugging, is forever grateful for the loving forever home he’s found. He radiates love and warmth to everyone he encounters. As Meghan puts it, “He has an endearing way of winning people over, quite insistently, by settling into their laps and dozing off peacefully.” Kylo’s unwavering affection is a testament to the transformative power of love and second chances.
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