STRAY dogs at the local pound could soon be shot, if the Collie Council reforms the way it interprets current dog laws.
The Collie Shire Council deferred discussion on changing the method of destroying dogs from lethal injection to the use of firearm at its meeting last week after last-minute advice from the RSPCA.
RSPCA WA shelter manager Rona Raftinger said the Collie Shire had sought the RSPCA's advice about the change and that the animal welfare group had advised it was not their preferred method.
Ms Raftinger said if the designated firearm conductor did not shoot with pinpoint accuracy there was the chance the animal could be injured instead of killed and consequently experience an excessive amount of pain.
"They draw a line between the eyes from the right ear to the left eye and put a cross in the middle," she said.
"If the dog moves just a tiny fraction it could enter the head and just wound the animal."
Local vet Jules Vandenbergh said with a good shot the firearm method could be just as humane as the injection method, but echoed the RSPCA's concerns that the potential for a bad shot to occur would create inherent problems if the changes were to proceed.
Collie Shire chief executive officer Ian Miffling said poor shooting practices would only be an issue if firearm operators were not properly trained.
Ms Raftinger said where a local vet was available to euthanase stray dogs there was no justifiable reason to use the firearm method and argued cost should not be a factor in the decision to dispose of dogs.
Mr Miffling stressed the council was in review stage only and had not made any decision as to changing the method.
"We are reviewing it to see if there is a more cost effective way," he said.
"It would have to be an acceptable method.
"We don't want any disquiet with local community or animal welfare groups, including the RSPCA."
Council reports show that it allocates $5,000 annually for the disposal of dogs.
In the 2002-2003 financial year, the council paid the local vet $55 per dog to put down 90 dogs in the area.
Mr Vandenbergh said he was unsure of the reason as to why the council was revisiting the dog act.
He said he had not noted an increase in the number of stray dogs in the Collie area, although he could not rule out a price rise when, or if, he renegotiates the recently expired contract to dispose of dogs via injection with the council.
Shooting dogs too risky: RSPCA
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Mr Vandenbergh said he hoped the Collie council continued to euthanase dogs by injection, which was his preferred method.
"Certainly in emergencies shooting animals needs to be an option, when people can't get hold of a vet," he said.
"From a personal perspective, and not being overly fond of guns, the most gentle and humane way would be by injection."
Mr Vandenbergh said he doubted the Collie Community would like the suggested reform.
"I doubt that they will like it, nobody wants dogs euthanased, myself and my staff have to face it," he said.
"At the same time, people don't want to do anything to take responsibility for the problem of stray dogs.
"It's certainly a problem in Collie, and a major problem in Perth."
Ms Raftinger said she was not aware of any council that chose to dispose of stray dogs via firearm.
She did say firearm was an acceptable euthanasia method for certain animal breeds such as horses and cattle.
Mr Vandenbergh said he thought the use of guns would open, "a whole new can of worms for the council".
Mr Miffling said the issue would again go to council after the shire clarified its position with the RSPCA.
He said that would be most likely be followed by a period of public consultation.
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