Dog breeder convicted and banned

Published on 08 November 2019

A Gisborne dog breeder has been fined a total of $7000, and banned from keeping or selling dogs for 10 years following court action taken by Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

The case involved charges from June 2016 to March 2018 in relation to an unregistered dog business in Panorama Drive, Gisborne. It was mainly whippets being bred, reared and sold at the property.

Council Local Laws officers attended the property on multiple occasions and observed up to 20 whippet and pharoah hound-type dogs being housed in collapsible wire cages.

After a lengthy investigation, Local Laws officers issued 12 charges relating to breaches of Local Law No. 10, breaches of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (DAA) and a breach of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act 1986 (POCTA).

All charges were found proven with conviction in Kyneton Magistrate’s Court, and the breeder was ordered to pay a portion of Council’s legal costs.

Under the DAA, the breeder was prohibited for 10 years from keeping and/or selling dogs and/or working in a domestic animal business. The breeder is allowed to retain and keep four dogs as pets only and those are to be registered with Council.

Under the POCTA, the breeder was disqualified from owning or being a person in charge of dogs or in the breeding and/or sale of dogs for 10 years. The breeder is allowed to retain and/or be in charge of four dogs as pets only and those are to be registered. There are additional conditions, including a requirement that the dogs undergo an annual vet health check and monitoring provisions so Council-authorised officers can ensure compliance.

Director Assets and Operations, Shane Walden said it was a significant prosecution and the action taken demonstrated Council’s commitment to responsible pet breeding and ensuring the safety and welfare of dogs and cats.

“Council officers work with local and state authorities to monitor domestic animal businesses,” Mr Walden said. “We will investigate any reports regarding illegal dog or cat breeding facilities.

“If you have any concerns or suspect any illegal activity is occurring, we encourage you to contact us.”

Council’s Local Laws unit can be contacted on (03) 5422 0333 or by emailing [email protected]