The death was made public on January 3 on the ‘Faces we must never forget’ Facebook page. The page claimed the dog died of heat stroke while temperatures were in the mid 30s. 

According to the Facebook page, the dog had been found wandering on December 3. As she was not microchipped, her owner was unable to be identified. 

The page asserts the dog “was known to be unwell for 24 to 48 hours before she was discovered dead. Temperatures in the pound were well above average and [the dog] was a dog of a breed known to be more susceptible to heart stroke.”

Council refute the claim the dog died of heat stroke.

“While we are aware of several conversations on social media indicating the dog died as a result of heat stroke and lack of care, this is not the case,” a council spokesperson said.

“The dog was well cared for, and was being monitored by staff as per our usual practices. The dog died overnight and was found on a morning inspection.

“All dogs in the pound have access to shade and to a continuous supply of water.”

While MidCoast Council has not put forward a reason for the dog’s death, it stated it was “confident the dog did not die of heat stroke.”

“This unfortunate event serves as a reminder to all pet owners of the importance of getting their dogs microchipped and obtaining a certificate of registration,” the spokesperson said.

“Registering and having your dog microchipped will assist in the early return of your dog in the event it becomes lost. Pet owners must also update their pet’s registration details if they move house, change phone number or if the pet is sold or given to a new owner.”

A petition titled ‘Community want changes on the management of Taree, Tuncurry and Gloucester Pounds’ has been created at change.org as a result of the dog’s death.