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Family devastated after council mistakenly kills their dog

<p>A couple from New Zealand is grappling with profound sorrow following the euthanasia of their cherished family pet, Sarge, due to a heart-wrenching case of mistaken identity. Sarge, a dog equipped with a microchip for identification purposes, tragically met his end, according to a statement from the Gisborne District Council in New Zealand's North Island.</p> <p>The council expressed deep regret over the incident, attributing it to "human error", explaining that Sarge had been tragically misidentified as another dog slated for euthanasia on the same day. This grievous mix-up has left Sarge's owners, Logan and Piri, shattered.</p> <p>Sarge, a microchipped and well-cared-for dog residing in a securely fenced rural property, was affectionately described by the couple's friend, Kara Hull, who spoke on behalf of the distraught owners. Hull, <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/gisborne/300976911/beloved-family-dog-killed-by-gisborne-district-council-by-mistake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">speaking to Stuff.co.nz</a> on behalf of Logan and Piri, conveyed their devastation and criticised the council's response, likening it to a hypothetical scenario where a human life is accidentally taken, followed by a mere media statement.</p> <p>Sarge was also an integral part of Hull's fitness boot camp business, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hullkfit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hullkfit</a>, and had become something of a mascot. He was adored and recognised by clients who frequented the fitness sessions. Hull shared fond memories of Sarge, portraying him as the epitome of a gentle and friendly canine, rarely uttering a bark. She emphasised that Sarge was a beloved family member and an indispensable presence in their lives.</p> <p>On that fateful Friday, while Logan and Piri were at work, a council animal officer picked up Sarge and transported him to the pound, despite the protests of concerned neighbours who vouched for his safety. Despite the owners being called to retrieve their pet, Sarge was tragically euthanised before they could reach him.</p> <p>The couple received the devastating news from a council representative who arrived at their doorstep, informing them of the fatal mistake. Their grief was compounded when they saw Sarge's lifeless body, shrouded in a bag, upon their arrival at the pound. To their horror, they discovered that he had been euthanised using a bolt gun, a method that the SPCA opposes for dogs, advocating instead for euthanasia by a veterinarian through lethal injection.</p> <p>A council manager visited Logan and Piri on Saturday, but according to Kara their anguish was too overwhelming for them to engage in a conversation. The Gisborne District Council has issued an unreserved apology and initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to this tragic error.</p> <p>Council leadership has reached out to the grieving family to address the matter further, acknowledging the irreplaceable bond between families and their pets. "We understand that nothing can replace the deep bond and memories shared between a family and their pet, and we are deeply saddened by the unfortunate event."</p> <p>"Council is also providing support to the Animal Control officer involved, who is deeply remorseful and shaken."</p> <p>"We will take appropriate measures to ensure we learn from this and ensure it does not happen again. Gisborne District Council strives to provide an excellent standard of service to our community. In this case, it's clear, we have failed. We sincerely apologise."</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook / Hullkfit</em></p>

Family & Pets

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“Odiously absurd”: Animal shelter euthanises dogs over COVID-19 fears

<p>An animal shelter in north-west New South Wales has come under fire for euthanising several rescue dogs. </p> <p>Authorities at the Bourke Shire Council put down the animals to further enforce COVID-19 travel restrictions in the area .</p> <p>A shelter in Cobar, in there state's central west, was supposed to come and collect the animals, but the Bourke Shire Council didn't want breaching state-wide travel restrictions. </p> <p><span>Residents in regional New South Wales are currently subject to lockdown measures, containing them to their local government area unless leaving for essential reasons.</span></p> <p>The town of Cobar has a population of under 4,000 and has remained <span>largely untouched by COVID-19, with fragments detected in wastewater samples but no cases reported.</span></p> <p>The Office of Local Government has launched an investigation to the killings, after receiving nation-wide backlash. </p> <p><span>Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst said she was told 16 dogs were killed, including a “mother dog and her puppies”.</span></p> <p><span>The MP took to Facebook to express her anger and sadness at the cruel act.</span><span></span></p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“While there are reports the dogs were shot, our contacts have told us they were euthanised,” she wrote.</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“I’m sharing this to make it clear there is NO health order for pounds to kill all the animals - please share this so it doesn’t happen again.”</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">News of the mass-killings have reached an international audience online, with many condemning the barbarity of the council's decision. </p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020"><span>British comedian and animal right activist Ricky Gervais described the council as “stupid c****” while English football legend Gary Lineker said it was “odiously absurd”.</span></p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020"><em>Image credit: FILE PHOTO - Shutterstock</em></p>

Family & Pets