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.
Uncover the Secret Features of Your iPhone’s Volume Buttons
Unlocking the Full Potential of Your iPhone’s Volume Buttons
Many of us are familiar with the iPhone, and its evolution over the years has been impressive. With just three physical buttons, the iPhone’s volume controls offer far more than basic sound adjustment. These buttons perform a range of other functions, enhancing your iPhone experience in unique ways. Let’s explore the hidden capabilities of these versatile controls.
1. Capturing Photos and Videos
Your iPhone’s volume buttons can act as a convenient shutter for photos and videos. In any camera mode—such as portrait, panorama, or standard—a simple press of either volume button snaps a photo. For video recording, press once to start and press again to stop. On newer iPhones, holding the volume up button activates burst mode, capturing multiple photos quickly.
2. Scanning Documents with Ease
Avoid on-screen controls when scanning documents. In apps like Files, Mail, Notes, and Reminders, you can use the volume buttons to quickly initiate a scan. A single press captures your document, making document management faster and more efficient.
3. Managing Alarms Simply
If you struggle to wake up in the morning or need a few extra minutes, the volume buttons offer an easy way to manage alarms. Pressing either volume button can snooze or dismiss alarms, making mornings a bit easier without reaching for on-screen options.
4. Quick Access to Emergency Services
In urgent situations, your iPhone’s volume buttons can be life-saving. Press and hold the side button along with either volume button to bring up the emergency SOS screen. Swiping the SOS icon calls emergency services, even when your phone is locked.
5. Restarting a Frozen iPhone
When your iPhone becomes unresponsive, the volume buttons offer a quick fix. To force a restart, press the volume up button, then the volume down button, and hold the side button until your iPhone reboots. This hardware reset can help resolve issues when a standard restart isn’t working.
6. Temporarily Disable Face ID or Touch ID
If you need extra security in a particular moment, you can quickly disable Face ID or Touch ID. Press and hold the side button along with either volume button for two seconds. This action locks your phone, requiring your passcode to unlock it, which can enhance your privacy when needed.
7. Silencing Calls Instantly
In situations where you need to silence an incoming call or mute vibrations discreetly, press either volume button. This will silence ringtones or vibrations in silent mode, allowing you to manage calls quickly and quietly.
Share this with friends and family to help them unlock the hidden potential of their iPhone’s volume buttons!
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