Owning a pet is a significant commitment that entails a substantial responsibility for their safety and well-being. These living beings are entirely reliant on their owners for care and protection.
Recently, concerned citizens stumbled upon a heart-wrenching scene, where a dog dangled precariously from a balcony, teetering on the brink of tragedy. Fortunately, a swift rescue mission prevented any harm from befalling the desperate canine.
What they encountered on that balcony, however, shocked them more profoundly than the impending disaster itself. The dog, a German Shepherd, was discovered alone on the balcony of an apartment in Egypt. What added to the distressing scenario was the revelation that the dog had endured days of being tethered to the balcony without access to food or water. It appeared famished, and its leap from the balcony seemed to be a final, desperate bid to escape the deplorable conditions.
Regrettably, a chain bound the dog’s neck, rendering it incapable of freeing itself. The poor animal was left hanging over the balcony, choking and helpless. Even if not for the chain, the height of the balcony, three stories above the ground, would have posed a grave risk to the dog.
Miraculously, a man heard the anguished cries of the German Shepherd and rushed to its aid. Another neighbor had already attempted a rescue but had been unsuccessful. With the newcomer’s assistance, they managed to retrieve the dog back onto the balcony.
It was evident that the chain had inflicted severe lacerations on the dog’s neck, although, fortunately, they were not life-threatening. The living conditions on the balcony were nothing short of deplorable, with the dog confined amidst its filth, deprived of both sustenance and hydration.
The dog, with lacerations on its neck from the constricting chain, was subsequently transported to the Egyptian Society for Mercy to Animals shelter. Here, it received the necessary medical attention for its injuries and underwent treatment for any illnesses or ailments it may have acquired during its harrowing confinement. Skilled veterinarians successfully mended the lacerations and administered the care needed for a full recovery.
After a few weeks of treatment, the German Shepherd, now named Bella, was transferred to the Special Needs Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation shelter. From there, she embarked on a journey to the United States, where a loving family had eagerly adopted her. Showered with the love and compassion she deserved, Bella could finally heal from the trauma of her past life in the grim balcony confinement.
Bella made a remarkable recovery and found contentment with her new family. She became a cherished companion to her new guardians and an integral part of their household, leaving behind the horrors of her previous existence on that unforgiving balcony.
COVID-19: Rescue dogs shot dead in Australia over coronavirus restrictions
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.
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