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.
“Entertaining Battle of Wits: Enormous Dog’s Hilarious Efforts to Dodge Bath Time”
Once upon a time, in a cozy little house, a baby boy named Lucas lived with his family. They had a lively, affectionate golden retriever named Max, who had been a part of the family since Lucas was born.
From the moment Lucas could crawl, he and Max became inseparable companions. Max seemed to understand that Lucas was a delicate little friend, and he always watched over him with a gentle and watchful eye.
As Lucas grew older, so did his curiosity about the world around him. One sunny morning, as the family enjoyed breakfast, Lucas noticed a butterfly fluttering outside the window. Intrigued, he pointed at it, making excited sounds. Max, always eager to be a part of Lucas’s adventures, bounded to the window and wagged his tail in delight.
The little explorer within Lucas took over, and he decided to follow the butterfly’s flight. He crawled towards the back door, and Max followed close behind. Giggles filled the air as Lucas made his way to the backyard, where the butterfly landed on a colorful flower.
Curious about the newfound discovery, Lucas reached out to touch the delicate insect. Max sat down next to him, as if offering moral support. The butterfly gracefully took off again, and Lucas laughed with delight, clapping his tiny hands.
As days turned into weeks, Lucas and Max continued to explore the wonders of nature together. They splashed in puddles after rainstorms, rolled in the grass, and played fetch in the yard. Max patiently fetched the ball, even when Lucas’s throws were more like gentle tosses.
As Lucas started taking his first steps, Max became his loyal walking partner. He would walk beside Lucas, ensuring the little boy’s balance and providing him with a sense of security. If Lucas stumbled, Max would nuzzle him, as if reassuring him that everything would be alright.
As the years passed, their bond only grew stronger. Lucas and Max grew up side by side, sharing countless adventures and tender moments. Max was not just a dog to Lucas but a true and devoted friend.
Even as Lucas became more independent and started school, he always looked forward to coming home to Max. They still had their evening playtime, and Max remained a source of comfort during any challenging days.
In the end, Max was not just a pet; he was family. He had witnessed Lucas’s first steps, first words, and many first experiences. Their unbreakable connection showed that the love between a baby and a dog could transcend time and create beautiful memories that would last a lifetime.
And so, the little explorer and the loyal pup lived happily ever after, cherishing their friendship and the love they shared in their hearts forever.
Leave a Reply