Little support for Deputy Mayor’s view on dealing with abandoned dogs

Deputy Mayor Lionel Garner received little support when he mentioned there was an “easier” way to solve Hay’s problem with abandoned dogs.

Cr Garner was responding to recent reports by the Council Ranger in which the number of abandoned dogs is listed.

“Are we still taking dogs to wherever they go?” he asked.

“Yes, to Kerang,” General Manager, David Webb replied.

“Kerang? I know an easier way to solve that problem,” the Deputy Mayor continued.

“I think we have already discussed that Councillor Garner, and your way would land us in gaol,” Mr Webb advised.

“Quick process,” Cr Garner insisted.

“Why do they go to Kerang? To be euthanised?” Cr Peter Handford asked.

“No. To a no-kill shelter,” Mayor Cr Oataway replied.

“To be rehomed, because there is an Act that tells us they have to be rehomed.”

“OK,” Cr Handford replied.

“And that is a no-kill shelter,” Cr Oataway repeated.

“There are other shelters we can and have previously used, but the shelter we use is full, and cannot accept any more. So, the next available one is in Kerang, and we have to do that because that is the legislation,” Cr Webb said.

“No kill, bugger,” Cr Handford concluded.

The conversation has infuriated some of our readers after it went live on Council’s audio link after the meeting.

A member of the Grazier’s editorial staff also attended the meeting.

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