GLOUCESTER Shire Council will immediately cease the practice of euthanising by shooting following widespread public outcry after several dogs were killed at Gloucester landfill last week.
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The council has released a statement today saying the practice will be stopped immediately.
Read council’s statement in full below:
Gloucester Shire Council has received a number of complaints in regard to its procedure of euthanising animals under the Companion Animals Act in light of a recent incident raised in the media by a member of the public.
The process has been reviewed and an immediate decision has been made to cease the practice of euthanising by shooting.
Arrangements are being put in place for the local veterinary surgeon to euthanise animals required to be put down, by lethal injection.
Council is still awaiting a response to its report forwarded to the RSPCA prior to finalising its review of the previous safe work method statement.
Council is comfortable that the new approach will not only be more acceptable within the broader community in regard to the welfare of the animals, but will also be inherently of less risk for staff involved with these responsibilities.
Clear new procedures covering all aspects of these responsibilities will be prepared.
It should be appreciated that the recent incident occurred at the request of a member of the public authorised to act in regard to the dogs concerned.
The dogs were some of a large number held on the property, none of which were registered, and for which there were concerns about their welfare.
In response to this request NSW Police requested council to assist with action to euthanise the animals. The tip was closed while this took place.
Over the previous 12 months council has only euthanised four dogs and two cats in accordance with its adopted procedure.
