![]() The government is also encouraging prospective new owners to "adopt not shop", consistent with NSW Health advice. Public Health Orders do not require animal adoption services to cease and pounds and shelters can remain open to the public.Įxemptions also exist for pound staff who live in one of the eight locked down local government areas because they work in "animal welfare, care and accommodation services" and, therefore, are considered "authorised workers". To meet this need, the NSW government is encouraging councils to maintain their rehoming efforts where they can do so in a COVID-safe manner. That advice included encouragement for councils to continue rehoming services.Īs people look for companionship during this pandemic, there has been a spike in interest in pet dogs and cats. In a statement, the OLG said it had issued advice to councils to assist them in the operation of pounds during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Office of Local Government (OLG) said it was examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including compliance with companion animal and prevention of cruelty laws. "Council's euthanisation rates have dropped from around 95 per cent, a few years ago, to near zero, such that it is now approaching nearly 100 per cent of dogs being rehomed, up until this required action." Investigation pending The spokesperson said it was a difficult choice for council, which has not had to euthanise animals that are not sick or dangerous in several years, due to its involvement in rehoming programs. That decision, it said, was made to help protect the Bourke community, which has a vulnerable population and limited health services. "Coupled with council seeking to stop people from other communities entering Bourke, given the level of vulnerability of people in the community and that all regional New South Wales was under stay-at-home orders, the decision was made to euthanise the dogs."Ĭatch up on the latest COVID-19 news here In a statement, a spokesperson for the Bourke Shire Council said the issue was further compounded by regional COVID-19 restrictions: Staff became concerned for the welfare of the dogs, due to overcrowding at the pound, and two of the dogs attacking one other. Animals not wearing Council identification marker outside their property can also risk a penalty under the Domestic Animal Act 1994.Five dogs had been housed at the pound since early August and one of the dogs then had 10 pups.Ĭouncil said it had made contact twice last week with its usual dog rehomer, who is based in Cobar, but they were unable to come to Bourke.
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