By BRIDGET COOK
CASEY council has been tasked with finding homes for almost 40 dogs and puppies that were seized from a Cannons Creek puppy farm in December last year.
At a hearing at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, the Magistrate granted an order for 11 border collie dogs and 27 puppies currently under the council’s care to be re-homed after 10 May, allowing the 21 days stipulated under the Act.
The council brought 51 charges against the business owner, John Tresize, including conducting a domestic animal business on unregistered premises along with other offences under the Domestic Animal Act and Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act.
The prosecution will continue at the Magistrates’ Court in May.
City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon said the council was pleased with the outcome of the hearing.
“A decision as to re-homing the dogs and puppies will be made by 10 May, giving them a second chance of life,” she said.
“This prosecution is an indication of how seriously the council takes the welfare of animals in the municipality.
“Council is committed to the protection of our four-legged citizens and regularly investigates any breaches of the legislation to ensure owners treat animals with the care and respect they deserve.”
In March, a Tooradin puppy farmer was found guilty of operating a domestic animal business without a permit, not complying with the Code of Practice for a domestic animal business, having an excessive number of dogs and a further 112 counts of having unregistered dogs on his property.
Derul Van Hollis who runs a business Demfield pleaded guilty to the charges in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.
While Mr Van Hollis pleaded guilty to the charges, the Magistrate did not convict or award any penalties against him.
He was however placed on a good behaviour bond for 12 months.
Demfield was found guilty and convicted and ordered to pay $11,500 in fines and $6700 towards the council’s costs.
Residents considering adopting the dogs and puppies from the Cannons Creek business can register an expression of interest before 10 May by emailing the council at caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au.
