15 rescue dogs, including 10 puppies, killed by council in Australia over COVID-19 concerns – USA TODAY

A local government in the state of New South Wales in Australia faced criticism after reports surfaced they ordered 15 dogs killed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among shelter workers.
On Sunday, The Sydney Morning Herald reported the Bourke Shire Council, located in the northern part of New South Wales, shot and killed 15 impounded dogs so volunteers at another shelter wouldn’t travel to pick up the animals. Of the 15 dogs, 10 were puppies, and one had just given birth to a litter.
“This is just absolutely heartbreaking – to think of these lost or abandoned animals not even having a chance to find a loving forever home,” said Emma Hurst, a state lawmaker from the Animal Justice Party.
The council said that the pound with the animals was at capacity, and two of the dogs were aggressive toward each other and staff. They added that the person that rehomes dogs wasn’t available before they decided to euthanize the dogs.
The council told the news outlet the decision was also made to “stop people from other communities entering Bourke given the level of vulnerability in the community.”
All of New South Wales is currently in lockdown as the state has experienced rising COVID-19 cases, with a high of 843 reported on Saturday. Bourke reported seven positive cases on Sunday night. 
USA TODAY has reached out to the council for comment.
“The town is in a tenuous situation at the moment with COVID. Positive cases are on the increase. Council is being very careful with people entering Bourke,” a council statement stated.
However, the Office of Local Government in New South Wales, which overlooks all local councils, said they were aware of the decision to euthanize the dogs and will determine if any animal cruelty prevention laws were broken. 
Other groups, including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New South Wales, are conducting their own investigations.
“This is under investigation for any possible offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979. As it is an active investigation, privacy and legal considerations do not allow us to provide further information,” the RSPCA NSW said. They did not respond to immediately requests from USA TODAY. 
Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jord_mendoza.

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