Council probes dog businesses

DOG safety and breeding are at the centre of two investigations launched by the City of Casey this month.
City of Casey Chief Executive Officer Mike Tyler said the prosecution of an unregistered domestic animal business in Tooradin continued at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 6 December after the City of Casey brought 115 charges against a man and his business related to breaches of the Code of Practice for the Operation of Breeding and Rearing Establishments and Domestic Animals Act.
“This matter has been adjourned to 28 February 2013. (The man and his business) have pleaded guilty to 115 charges each,” Mr Tyler said.
“Council first investigated this matter on 16 January 2012. This case demonstrates the complexity and subsequent length of time to work through the legal process.
“The City of Casey takes breaches of the Act seriously. We are committed to the protection of animals and will investigate breaches of the legislation to ensure owners treat animals with appropriate care.”
The council also attended a Narre Warren North business in October and informed the owner their establishment was below Code of Practice for the Operation of Breeding and Rearing Establishments standards. The owner was given one month to comply with the Code of Practice which expired on 1 November 2012. As a result, council and police supported the RSPCA to execute a search warrant at this property.
The RSPCA attended to the welfare of the animals and each animal was checked by a vet.
RSPCA spokesperson Tim Pilgrim said the RSPCA was concerned with the living conditions for the dogs at the Narre Warren North business, including the size and cleanliness of the dog pens.
“We issued lawful instructions to the owners which have been complied with at this stage,” Mr Pilgrim said.
“We are continuing to liaise with the owners and will take further actions if necessary.”
The Casey Council is now undertaking regular welfare checks of the animals, investigating breaches of the Code of Practice for the Operation of Breeding and Rearing Establishments standards under the Domestic Animals Act, working in partnership with other agencies including the RSPCA.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, charges may be laid and the matter referred to the courts.