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.
Title: Heartwarming Scene of a 2-Year-Old and his Faithful Canine Friends Awaiting His Mother’s Return by the Fence Goes Viral.
Every day in a peaceful suburb, a touching spectacle unfolded that quickly became the darling of a steadily expanding online audience. A pair of loyal four-legged friends and a 2-year-old boy would converge excitedly by the wrought-iron fence in their front yard, their eyes dancing with anticipation as they awaited a very special moment: the arrival of their cherished mother after a tiring day at work.
From the moment he was born, the little boy had developed an unbreakable connection with his two furry companions. They were more than just household pets; they were his ever-faithful playmates and trusted confidants. The Golden Retriever and Border Collie duo showed nothing but endless love and loyalty to their young companion, spending their days exploring, playing, and sharing moments of pure happiness.
One thing that really caught my attention was the daily routine of waiting for Mom. It happened every afternoon when the sun started to set. The three of them would head to the front yard and gather around the iron fence. You could feel the excitement in their hearts, as their tails were wagging non-stop in anticipation of seeing Mom.
As Mom’s return time drew near, the boy’s face would light up with excitement and he’d exclaim “Mommy’s coming home!” The dogs seemed to understand everything and would join in with their barks, adding to the joyful noise. Even passersby couldn’t help but smile at the heartwarming scene. This lovely daily tradition quickly gained popularity online as videos and photos of the trio eagerly waiting for Mom began to circulate on social media. The little boy’s contagious enthusiasm and the dogs’ unwavering loyalty touched the hearts of thousands of viewers from all over the world. Comment sections were flooded with admiration for the loving bond shared between the 2-year-old boy and his furry companions, with many commending the family for creating such a close-knit and joyous environment for their child.
The sight of a mother coming home to a warm welcome from her son and dogs is a heartwarming reminder of the simple yet profound joys life has to offer amidst a busy world. This story exemplifies the beauty of the bond between humans and animals, highlighting the power of family ties. It has left a lasting impression on the internet community, prompting us to cherish the precious moments that make our lives truly special.
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