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.
Left alone and suffering, a mother dog brings new life into this world, cradling her newborns in the chilly embrace, longing for love and comfort
What was most shocking? The heartless culprit was none other than the owner, banishing this innocent mother and her pups to such extreme conditions.
As we watched the video, our hearts sank. The mother dog lay outside, shivering, doing her best to protect her newborns.
Despite her own suffering, she ate snow to keep her puppies warm. Her resilience touched us deeply, but we knew they couldn’t survive long.
With urgency, we embarked on a three-hour rescue mission. The scene broke our hearts. We named the mother Maria, and her three pups were finally safe. In a warm, comfortable environment, we vowed to prevent their suffering.
Maria, understandably wary, had endured much pain and neglect. Trust was hard-earned. As we cared for her, she slowly relaxed.
Maria ate well, nourishing her weary body. Seeing her puppies thrive brought joy. We vowed to protect and love them.
Fifteen days later, Maria’s puppies thrived. Maria improved, a testament to their strength.
Fifty days later, the heartwarming news arrived—Maria and her pups had forever homes. We were grateful for the support.
One year later, Maria thrived in her forever home, alongside her companion Mike. Her pups grew into beautiful dogs. They formed a happy family, a testament to compassion.
This story reminds us of resilience and love. Maria’s journey inspires us to fight for the voiceless, ensuring no innocent animal suffers.
May her story kindle compassion and remind us of love’s transformative power.
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