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.
Incredible Discovery: Resilient Canine Finds Hope in Dumped Lands, Embraces a Bright Future with a Kind Rescuer.
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The Saddest Canine of 2023: Abandoned by its Owner in the Wilderness, Struggling to Survive in the WildWord quickly spread about the incredible saga of this resilient dog, and Sarah’s extraordinary act of kindness was met with an outpouring of support from the community. Strangers and kind-hearted volunteers came together, offering their time and resources to assist in the dog’s complete recovery and eventual reintegration into society. Gradually, the dog, which used to be timid and solitary, started to flourish, revealing a lively nature that deeply impacted anyone who encountered it.
The awe-inspiring narrative of perseverance and salvation deeply moved individuals across the globe. The incredible journey of the disfigured canine and its remarkable metamorphosis sparked feelings of hope and empathy, motivating numerous individuals to embrace empathy over superficial judgments and extend a helping hand to those facing adversity. Sarah’s selfless gesture serves as a poignant reminder that even the most marginalized among us can discover affection, contentment, and a sense of meaning with a little support from a compassionate spirit.
The extraordinary tale of an unconventional canine’s adventure from a garbage dump to a nurturing household reveals the incredible strength of empathy and the profound influence it can have on both humans and animals. It stands as a testament to the unstoppable resilience of animals and the immeasurable capacity for affection that dwells within every individual. May this narrative serve as a guiding light, reminding us that even when confronted with challenges, extraordinary revelations and life-altering experiences await those who embrace compassion.
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