Local animal rescue operator, Christina Della Valle, was on holiday over Christmas when a friend left the gate open and two of her rescue dogs escaped her property. The dogs ventured onto a neighbouring paddock and one of them bit a cow on the neck.
When Council was unable to complete a compliance inspection earlier this month, a search warrant was enforced and Seizure Notice issued.
Christina, who owns Animal Rescue Whitsundays, was distraught by events which she says were out of control and also uncharacteristic of her two much-loved dogs.
Director of Community Services, Julie Wright agreed to sit down with Christina following a request for review notice.
“It was a good meeting and Julie really did her best to help,” said Christina.
During the meeting it was decided that Max, the likely culprit in the offence, would be put to sleep, but Snoopy, Christina’s ‘emotional support dog’, would be allowed home.
“I am of course devastated about Max,” said Christina.
“But I knew it was going to be tough, I knew a compromise would have to be made.
“It’s just a shame that dogs don’t get a second chance like a human would if they don’t re-offend.”
Max was brought to Christina two years ago when he was found wandering around Proserpine. He was 15 kilograms underweight and had been abandoned by his owners that may have been training him to be a pig dog.
Snoopy was brought to Christina a year ago, he had been abandoned at a caravan park in Conway and left alone, tied to a chain for two days before anyone found him.
On Wednesday morning Max was taken to a local vet and gently put to sleep.
Snoopy was returned home to Christina the same morning.
In order to keep Snoopy Christina must abide by strict rules for keeping a declared menacing dog.
These include extra signage and an extra $400 a year in fees.
