Salisbury Council throws dead dog hit by car in landfill, undertakes review

Harry’s owner say they faced a second round of grief when they heard what was done with their pet’s remains after he was hit by a car.

The owners of a German shepherd cross akita have slammed Salisbury Council for dumping their microchipped pet in the tip after he was hit by a car.

Kimberley Hein, 35, and Kerin Edwards, 35, who own 11-year-old Harry, say they were shattered when council told them their “family member” had been discarded as routine waste.

Desperate to say a proper goodbye, they contacted the landfill site who said rubbish, including Harry, had been “compacted” and recovering his body was not an option.

In a letter, seen by The Messenger, council confirmed it had disposed of the body because its size could not be “accommodated” at council’s facilities.

Ms Hein and Ms Edwards said Harry was microchipped but not wearing a collar.

“We just wanted his ashes and we wanted to know he was treated at least with respect,” Ms Hein said.

“That’s what’s been most upsetting for us … not being able to say goodbye has been very hard.”

Harry the German shepherd x akita was hit and killed by a car, but then Salisbury council disposed of him in landfill. Pictures: Supplied

Harry with his owner Kerin Edwards. Picture: Supplied

Ms Edwards added: “It wasn’t fair, he should have been taken straight to the Animal Welfare League.

“I don’t know why they treated him as roadkill … they should have known he was a pet.”

Since his death Ms Edwards has had to take a week off work, has been prescribed antidepressants and is awaiting seeing a grief counsellor.

Harry went missing from his Paralowie home on Friday, June 17.

About 1pm that day he had been hit and killed by a car on Burton Rd.

By that evening Ms Hein and Ms Edwards had received the news but it was too late.

After calling the council’s after hours number they were told the earliest his body could be picked up was Monday morning.

But when Monday arrived council told them Harry had been dumped at landfill.

Six days later, after Ms Hein and Ms Edwards contacted council, chief executive John Harry wrote to them saying the process followed was standard procedure, but said a review would be completed.

Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

New Salisbury CEO John Harry.

“Please be aware that there is no legal requirement for council to hold deceased pets that are unidentified, although our operating procedures do generally allow the chance for owners to reclaim remains where possible,” he wrote.

“It has been determined to investigate and implement a change in the process that will ensure dogs, regardless of size, are either held in council’s facility or taken directly to the (Animal Welfare League) for appropriate disposal by cremation.

“We feel this practice will prevent a repeat of this distressing incident.”

Mr Harry said the pet’s microchip could not be scanned.

The letter did not offer an apology for Harry’s treatment but said: “Condolences in relation to (his) accidental death”.

Harry’s owners were told his body was too big to be stored at the council’s facilities. Pictures: Supplied

Ms Hein said she had contacted the waste facility but they confirmed rubbish was compacted and finding the beloved dog was “not an option”.

“I’m glad the council are now looking at their processes, but this should never have happened in the first place,” Ms Edwards said.

Ms Hein added: “Why did this happen? Somebody has to be held accountable for this choice. The council has done nothing to provide compensation for knowing our best friend has been crushed into landfill.”

Council was contacted for comment.