Leeton Council report confirms unecessary killing is standard

‘The Irrigator’ (the local newspaper for the Shire of Leeton), has secured a partial copy of the report into the death of ‘Indie’ – the dog shot rather than impounded, by a council officer.

… the report found the act of destroying the dog so soon after seizing it to be considered “unnecessary” when other options were available.

The report stated the ranger didn’t allow the dog sufficient time to compose itself or attempt to impound the animal prior to putting it down.

The report also found…

… the ranger had breached the Companion Animals Act 1998 section 62, clause 1, by not delivering the dog to its owner, the pound or an approved premises following its seizure…

The investigation was also unable to determine how the ranger achieved getting a close and accurate shot to euthanise the dog while being on his own if the dog was acting as aggressive as stated.

In addition, the investigation found the ranger was in breach of council’s internal code of conduct, and that the Council pound had reached the staggering milestone of 172 dead dogs for the 2012/13 year – practically everything that walked through the front door.

Council currently has no re-homing program system available through the Leeton pound, with the report recommending one should be in place.

Ya think?

So a recap; the ‘irresponsible, uncaring public’ has raised hell over the pound’s mistreatment of pets, leading to a review of Leeton Council procedures, with the resulting findings being, that pets should be being held for the mandatory holding period, and if not reclaimed, rehomed.

Let me get all high pitched and screechy here for a minute… How is it that it has taken an official external review and a street rally of local pet owners, for this to be recognised by Council? How is it that anyone can have a long-term career in animal management and not for a moment be of the mindset… hold, return, rehome? Just what the hell was Council paying their staff to do all this time?

Leeton Council start doing your job. Now you’ve got a report detailing the problems, ignorance is no longer bliss. If the staff you have aren’t willing to start meeting the community’s expectations, then its time for them to go. No more excuses. No more killing.