By Jessica Micallef
A Gisborne dog breeder has been fined $7000 and banned from selling dogs for 10 years after being found guilty of running an unregistered business.
Kyneton Magistrates Court earlier this month heard that the business was being run from a Panorama Drive address in Gisborne.
The breeder faced 12 charges relating to breaches of Local Law number 10 – breaches of Domestic Animals Act (DAA) and a breach of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act (POCTA).
Macedon Ranges council local law officers attended the property on multiple occasions between June 2016 and March 2018 and found up to 20 whippet and pharaoh hound dogs housed in collapsible wire cages.
The court has prohibited the breeder from keeping and selling dogs and working in a domestic animal business for 10 years.
The breeder is able to have four dogs as pets which must be registered with the council and undergo an annual health check and monitoring.
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, the breeder was also disqualified from owning or being a person in charge of dogs or in charge of breeding and selling dogs for 10 years.
The council’s assets and operations director Shane Walden said the court action demonstrated the council’s commitment to responsible pet breeding and ensuring the safety and welfare of dogs and cats.
“Council officers work with locals and state authorities to monitor domestic animal businesses,” he 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.”
Report suspicious animal activity to 5422 0333 or at mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
