Prosecutions prove successful
Media Release from Cr Oscar Yildiz JP, Moreland Mayor
Tuesday 22 March 2011, Moreland City Council
Moreland Council’s quest to maintain our streets safe and enforce the Victorian Animal Management Act has bore some encouraging rewards in the form of successful prosecutions.
Council successfully prosecuted four animal owners at Broadmeadows Magistrates Court for various breaches of the Animal Management Act. All prosecutions related to dog attacks on people or other animals.
“Achieving convictions in dog attack cases are often extremely difficult so I’m personally proud of all the Officers involved whose collection of evidence and information provided the Magistrate with sufficient grounds to prosecute,” Mayor Cr Oscar Yildiz said.
“These encouraging results demonstrate our commitment to urban safety and send out a clear message to dog owners that they must take responsibility for their pets.”
Summary of cases:
- North Coburg: Dog attack/serious injury October 2010 - One conviction, fined $2000 with $6890 costs. The dog (a pit bull cross) was seized and will be euthanized via a destruction order.
- Hadfield: Dog attack January 2011 on another animal -$500 fine plus $650 costs –guilty plea. No conviction recorded.
- East Brunswick: Dog attack/dog not controlled July 2010. Good behaviour bond plus $630 costs - guilty plea entered. No conviction recorded.
- Pascoe Vale: Dangerous Dog not inside perimeter fence plus two other breaches of the Act – Costs of $3763 plus good behaviour bond - offender pleaded not guilty. No conviction recorded. The animals involved were surrendered by the owner and subsequently euthanized.
Council is currently waiting for Court dates for a further two prosecutions.
“We encourage all residents to find out more about responsible pet ownership by visiting our website or contacting the Council,” Mayor Yildiz added.
