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.
Stray cat refuses to eat unless she gets food in a bag
The bond between a mother and her offspring transcends species, showcasing the unwavering strength of maternal love.
In the heart of a bustling city, a stray cat named Dongsuk found solace in the care of a compassionate woman who provided sustenance for numerous feline companions.
However, the woman noticed a peculiar change in Dongsuk’s behavior when she suddenly refused to eat unless the food was presented in a plastic bag. Intrigued by this anomaly, the woman embarked on a daily ritual of preparing a bag of food exclusively for Dongsuk.
Curiosity piqued, the woman decided to shadow Dongsuk one day, unraveling the poignant truth behind the cat’s peculiar behavior.
To her astonishment, she discovered that Dongsuk wasn’t consuming the food for herself but rather for her sole surviving kitten, a miniature replica of her with vibrant orange and white fur.
With tender care, Dongsuk would delicately offer the bag to her offspring, ensuring the little one’s nourishment before partaking herself.
Moved by this profound display of maternal instinct, the woman felt compelled to extend a helping hand to Dongsuk and her precious offspring.
The heartwarming tale of Dongsuk and her kitten serves as a testament to the enduring compassion and selflessness exhibited by individuals dedicated to the welfare of animals in need.
Let us celebrate and share this touching narrative to honor the kindness and empathy that enriches the lives of both humans and animals alike.
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