A MELBOURNE-based dog rescue volunteer has criticised Wodonga Council over its decision to euthanase a dog she believes could have been saved.
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President of the Vic Bull Terrier Rescue group, Angii Rotblat, said she became aware of an American Bulldog, which she had nicknamed Buzz, in Wodonga pound on Saturday, May 3.
The dog is believed to have been impounded on April 23, becoming council property.
Images of the dog show it was emaciated and had what Ms Rotblat suspected were chemical burns on its face, and she was told it had been deemed aggressive towards other dogs.
“This was not a healthy robust dog that looked like it was from a loving home, it was obviously the case of an abused dog,” she said.
“Most dogs are dog-aggressive if they’re in a pound, and especially if they’ve been abused.
“It wasn’t my breed of dog, but if a dog comes under my radar that’s going to be killed then I want to know why.”
Ms Rotblat said she found a no-kill shelter that would take the dog and provide medical treatment, evaluation, rehabilitation and training before trying to find it a new home.
She called the council on Monday and was told to put her request in writing, which she did, but was told on Tuesday the dog would be put down regardless.
“There was no humane reason to put down that dog,” she said.
The council refused to answer specific questions about the case due to privacy.
Acting council chief executive Trevor Mr Ierino said each animal was carefully assessed for rehoming and “unfortunately, not all animals are deemed suitable”.
“It is never our wish or desire to have an animal put to sleep and this is always the last resort the council takes on such matters,” he said.