Dozens Of Rescue Dogs Shot Dead Over COVID-19 Restrictions, Australian Officials Degree Investigation

Illustration of dog. (Wikimedia Commons/Presidential Palace)

JAKARTA - Fifteen rescue dogs, including 10 puppies, have been shot dead by Australia's rural council under its interpretation of coronavirus restrictions.

The Bourke Shire Council in New South Wales decided to take this step, to prevent volunteers at animal shelters from potentially spreading the coronavirus, where New South Wales is battling the Delta variant.

"The Board decided to take this action to protect its employees and communities, including vulnerable Aboriginal populations, from the risk of transmission of COVID-19," said the Office of Local Government, government watchdog, as quoted by Sky News from The Sydney Morning Herald Aug. 23.

The spokesman said officials were investigating whether any animal cruelty laws were being violated. Five dogs have been placed in kennels since early August and one of the dogs later had 10 puppies.

The council said staff became concerned about animal welfare due to overcrowding in the kennels, with two dogs attacking one over the other. A source said the shelter volunteers were feeling pressured and already had COVID-safe measures in place to deal with the dogs.

The Bourke Shire Council told ABC News the dogs were euthanized because the rescue organization was from another local government area. They were worried about people from other communities entering Bourke.

Meanwhile, at the same time, all regions in the State of New South Wales are enforcing a 'stay at home' order in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions.

The council said it had contacted the usual dog evacuation group, which 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 immediate investigation.

"We are deeply distressed and utterly appalled by the shooting of this heartless dog. We completely reject the council's unacceptable justification that these killings appeared to have been carried out as part of a COVID-19 safety plan," Ryan said.

To note, Australia has recently experienced a spike in COVID-19 cases, forcing the country's largest city, Sydney, to extend its lockdown until September and impose stricter restrictions, such as a curfew and a mandatory outdoor mask.

Staff is allowed to work at animal shelters even when lockdown measures are in place, according to a spokesman for the Local Government Office.

"Councils are also encouraged to continue working with re-homing organizations and volunteers to care for animals, where it can be done in accordance with Health New South Wales advice."