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.
The moment the heroic rescue team valiantly battled against the clock to liberate the unfortunate dog trapped in the underground bunker left everyone overwhelmed with emotions
In a heart-pounding rescue operation, a dedicated team of heroes faced a race against time to free Ziggy, a 10-year-old Patterdale terrier, from a perilous underground bunker. This harrowing ordeal left everyone on edge as they fought tirelessly to save a beloved pup trapped in a dire situation.
Ziggy had been enjoying a carefree day on his family’s farm, frolicking alongside his mom when an unexpected turn of events sent him spiraling into a dark abyss—an underground drain pipe. At first, his mom wasn’t overly concerned; after all, this wasn’t Ziggy’s first escapade into subterranean exploration. But as the minutes turned into hours, and Ziggy failed to reappear, panic set in.
Lauren Flintoft, Ziggy’s mom, shared her worry, saying, “I was worried he might have been stuck, and that’s why he didn’t appear. My husband Tim spent the whole night trying to entice him out, and when he didn’t emerge, I called in help.”
Desperate for aid, Flintoft reached out to the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) with hopes that they could assist in rescuing Ziggy from his precarious predicament. A team of dedicated rescuers promptly arrived at the scene, ready to tackle the daunting task of locating and liberating the trapped terrier.
The operation was not for the faint of heart. Rescuers had to meticulously map the complex underground pipes, meticulously plotting their course to reach Ziggy. With unwavering determination, they began to dig two enormous holes, strategically positioned to expose Ziggy’s location.
Finally, after hours of relentless effort, the group spotted a glimmer of hope—a glimpse of Ziggy’s furry form within the confined space. With great care and precision, they gently cleared away the debris that held Ziggy captive, allowing him to wiggle his way to freedom. Remarkably, Ziggy had endured an astonishing 19 hours trapped in the drain pipe.
Despite his extended ordeal, Ziggy emerged from his subterranean prison unharmed, albeit a bit shaken. He was swiftly reunited with his relieved family, basking in the warmth of their embrace. This heartwarming rescue reaffirmed the unwavering bond between humans and their faithful canine companions.
Faebian Vann, an animal collection officer with the RSPCA, joyfully shared, “He’s now back home with his owners where he belongs, and no doubt he’ll be getting up to no good again very soon.”
Ziggy’s triumphant return serves as a testament to the extraordinary efforts of a dedicated rescue team and the power of compassion in the face of adversity. His story reminds us of the enduring spirit of our four-legged friends and the lengths we’re willing to go to ensure their safety and well-being.
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