Griffith Pound - Article Needy Paws

[_PL_]

In case you haven't seen it.

“The allegations and subsequent threats made against council and staff are of a very serious nature and must be investigated fully,” :( Nutters at it again I suspect.

http://www.areanews.com.au/story/3245948/death-at-pound/?cs=670

Griffith City Council have denied the dog which died at Griffith City pound on Tuesday night showed any sign of illness.

A post on the Needy Paws Facebook page on Wednesday night claimed blood was seen in the dog’s cage, and attributed the death to parvovirus. That post has since been removed.

A Needy Paws spokesman said two of its members witnessed blood in the cage, a sign of the virus, but were not making any further comment.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease which causes lethargy and loss of appetite along with vomiting and bloody stools.

The highly resistant virus is understood to survive on inanimate objects such as food bowls and floors for months.

Deputy mayor Doug Curran said compliance staff had the full support of council and in no way acted inappropriately.

“The allegations and subsequent threats made against council and staff are of a very serious nature and must be investigated fully,” Councillor Curran said.

“At this time, the decision has been made to close access to all persons to the pound, including local rescue group Needy Paws until a full investigation has been undertaken.”

Cr Curran said he had twice invited Needy Paws to meet with himself and staff and they had twice declined the offer, once prior to this incident and once following. It is understood that offer remained open.

“We understand that this is an emotive issue – it is for staff as well – but we have no way of knowing what vaccinations a dog may or may not have received, or what environment the animal may have come from, including what diseases it may be incubating,” Cr Curran said.

“At no time during the last week did the dog exhibit any signs of illness. He was eating and drinking and was assessed as not being at risk on Tuesday evening when the rangers left the pound. It is not known what caused his death that night, and if there had have been signs of serious illness or injury, it is council’s policy to transport the animal to the vet when it is deemed necessary.”

The Area News can confirm council rangers had taken sick dogs to at least one local vet within the last year.

“Rangers will continue to seek homes for animals placed in their care, however it is essential we close the facility the investigation is carried out.”

A council representative said Griffith City Pound was often used as a dumping ground by pet owners as an alternative to seeking vet treatment for animals exhibiting signs of illness which placed other dogs in the pound at risk.

“In this instance, rangers responded to a complaint of a roaming dog in one of the villages. They then collected the dog and placed him in the pound a week ago. It was not microchipped which meant the animal and its owners could not be identified,” Cr Curran said.

“Rangers are forced to deal with very distressing situations and are unfortunately put in a position to make very pragmatic decisions. I can say 100 per cent that our rangers are very dedicated and do worry about the animals under their care, however the harsh reality is that not every animal can be saved despite their best efforts.”

The best methods of preventing the need for ranger intervention were to ensure animals were microchipped, registered, desexed and vaccinated, and that animals were secure and confined to their property. An abandoned un-microchipped dog has a very uncertain future and is reliant on rehoming strategies to prevent the inevitable.

Edited July 31, 2015 by Powerlegs

[keetamouse]

In case you haven't seen it.

“The allegations and subsequent threats made against council and staff are of a very serious nature and must be investigated fully,” :( Nutters at it again I suspect.

http://www.areanews.com.au/story/3245948/death-at-pound/?cs=670

Griffith City Council have denied the dog which died at Griffith City pound on Tuesday night showed any sign of illness.

A post on the Needy Paws Facebook page on Wednesday night claimed blood was seen in the dog’s cage, and attributed the death to parvovirus. That post has since been removed.

A Needy Paws spokesman said two of its members witnessed blood in the cage, a sign of the virus, but were not making any further comment.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease which causes lethargy and loss of appetite along with vomiting and bloody stools.

The highly resistant virus is understood to survive on inanimate objects such as food bowls and floors for months.

Deputy mayor Doug Curran said compliance staff had the full support of council and in no way acted inappropriately.

“The allegations and subsequent threats made against council and staff are of a very serious nature and must be investigated fully,” Councillor Curran said.

“At this time, the decision has been made to close access to all persons to the pound, including local rescue group Needy Paws until a full investigation has been undertaken.”

Cr Curran said he had twice invited Needy Paws to meet with himself and staff and they had twice declined the offer, once prior to this incident and once following. It is understood that offer remained open.

“We understand that this is an emotive issue – it is for staff as well – but we have no way of knowing what vaccinations a dog may or may not have received, or what environment the animal may have come from, including what diseases it may be incubating,” Cr Curran said.

“At no time during the last week did the dog exhibit any signs of illness. He was eating and drinking and was assessed as not being at risk on Tuesday evening when the rangers left the pound. It is not known what caused his death that night, and if there had have been signs of serious illness or injury, it is council’s policy to transport the animal to the vet when it is deemed necessary.”

The Area News can confirm council rangers had taken sick dogs to at least one local vet within the last year.

“Rangers will continue to seek homes for animals placed in their care, however it is essential we close the facility the investigation is carried out.”

A council representative said Griffith City Pound was often used as a dumping ground by pet owners as an alternative to seeking vet treatment for animals exhibiting signs of illness which placed other dogs in the pound at risk.

“In this instance, rangers responded to a complaint of a roaming dog in one of the villages. They then collected the dog and placed him in the pound a week ago. It was not microchipped which meant the animal and its owners could not be identified,” Cr Curran said.

“Rangers are forced to deal with very distressing situations and are unfortunately put in a position to make very pragmatic decisions. I can say 100 per cent that our rangers are very dedicated and do worry about the animals under their care, however the harsh reality is that not every animal can be saved despite their best efforts.”

The best methods of preventing the need for ranger intervention were to ensure animals were microchipped, registered, desexed and vaccinated, and that animals were secure and confined to their property. An abandoned un-microchipped dog has a very uncertain future and is reliant on rehoming strategies to prevent the inevitable.

I knew this would happy one day so am not surprised, yet again the dogs will suffer because of someones alter ego.

[keetamouse]

Just been told rescue will continue to take dogs from Griffith but no one can go into the pound.