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.
MAN RESCUES POOR ABANDONED PUPPY AND ENRICHES HIM WITH A LOVING FOREVER HOME!
A heartfelt moment, Meets the Person Who Stopped the Pit Bull Puppy’s Death
Even while it might be difficult at times, there are many lovely moments that can only be made possible by the selfless efforts of volunteers.
Joey Wagner, a marine biologist from Nova Scotia in Canada, volunteers at the Baie Ste Marie Animal Society. A pit bull mix dog who had been cruelly mistreated and needed some tender loving care was brought to Joey’s attention in 2013. Joey showed up just as the dog was going to die.
Joey and the rescue crew took the puppy, whose they called Mojo, to Parade Street Vet, PEI Small Animal Hospital for treatment of acute dehydration and demodectic mange. He had totally lost all of his fur and was covered in mite bites by the time he was three months old. As Joey watched, the puppy’s mange was becoming worse as a result of malnutrition and his unhygienic living conditions.
In a Facebook post, Joey said, “When Mojo was surrendered, it was a very short process and a very emotional time.”
As Mojo battled for his life, Joey and his wife Leta fell in love with him. Despite the terrible suffering he had through, Mojo shown a profound ability for compassion and forgiveness. After hearing about his problems, a lot of people asked for his assistance.
As soon as Mojo spotted Joey, his little tail began to wag. Joey writhed his entire body to get closer to his new father, his face covered in kisses. Joey couldn’t help but grin as Mojo thanked him for giving him another opportunity at life.
Joey and Mojo’s joyful reunion has been enjoyed by the globe for more than seven years. Mojo is happy and well-cared for now that he is a member of Joey and Leta’s team. He never entirely grew his fur back, but he doesn’t seem to mind. Since then, the Wagner family has used his tale to inspire others and generate money for animal rescue groups.
The nuanced reaction from Mojo proved that animals possess intellect. Joey had aided Mojo when he was at his most helpless. Their separation is minimal.
Watch the video down below to see Mojo’s sweet response.
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