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Rescue Dogs Were Shot Dead By NSW Council Due To Covid-19

Rescue Dogs Were Shot Dead By NSW Council Due To Covid-19

The council didn't want volunteers from an animal shelter to travel amid the statewide lockdown.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Outrage has been sparked over a New South Wales council's decision to shoot dead a bunch of rescue dogs.

The pooches were all set to be adopted by an animal shelter however Bourke Shire Council, in the state's north-west, didn't want volunteers to travel during the statewide lockdown and risk a fine or the community's safety.

So, the council thought it would be a better idea to just kill the animals, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

The Office of Local Government said in a statement: "OLG has been informed that 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."

PA

The council and animal shelter are staying tight lipped about the bizarre outcome, however staff at the latter are reported to be 'distressed'.

The volunteers at the Cobar-based shelter reportedly had a full plan in place to make sure the transfer of the animals was Covid-19 safe.

Cobar hasn't had any cases of the coronavirus since the pandemic began however there have been traces found in the sewerage water.

The SMH reports there's now an investigation underway to see if any companion animal and cruelty prevention laws were broken.

At the moment, councils aren't required to explain to the state government how they euthanise their animals under their care.

PA

The OLG Minister, Shelley Hancock, hasn't commented specifically on this horrifying case but explained earlier this year that she would be 'concerned' if animals were being shot dead.

The revelation has sparked outrage amongst politicians and animal welfare groups.

Animal liberation campaigner Lisa Ryan said in a statement: "We are deeply distressed and completely appalled by this callous dog shooting and we totally reject council's unacceptable justifications that this killing was apparently undertaken as part of a COVID- safe plan."

Greens animal welfare spokeswoman Abigail Boyd added: "While the Liberal-National government twiddles its thumbs on animal welfare issues, more animals are being killed.

"Council pounds are paid for by local communities, and it is clear that shooting lost and unclaimed dogs housed in these publicly-funded facilities falls far short of community expectations."

Councils have been given advice to make sure the safe transfer of animals continues through the pandemic.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Australia