By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
TROY SCOBLE may have escaped conviction in court last month on dozens of charges relating to the treatment of 33 dogs – but he hasn’t escaped the Casey Council.
The 34-year-old Blind Bight dog owner escaped conviction at a court hearing on Thursday 23 June, but was fined $2500 for keeping dozens of unregistered dogs on illegal short chains.
But on Tuesday 26 July Mr Scoble had 29 dogs seized from his property, after he failed to adhere to court orders and register the animals in accordance with the Domestic Animals Act.
Four days after his court appearance the dogs remained on his property and warrants executed by the RSPCA, police and veterinarians found the dogs to be healthy.
Mr Scoble’s 33 American bulldogs and Staffordshire bull terriers were found hidden on his parents’ farm in April by a group of animal activists who installed secret cameras.
In court Mr Scoble pleaded guilty to 52 of the 53 charges against him after he failed to comply with council notices.
Mr Scoble escaped conviction by Magistrate Pauline Spencer because he had no prior convictions and was of “good character”.
He was ordered to reduce the number of dogs on his property to four, or obtain a permit for more dogs within 60 days, which he allegedly did not do.
The 53 charges included failing to register the dogs, keeping dogs on a property without a permit and failing to reduce the number of dogs or apply for a permit, as well as illegal tethering.
Casey council and the RSPCA found 10 dogs were illegally tethered on leads less than three metres.
A Blind Bight resident told The Cranbourne News that he saw around eight police cars and eight council vans at the property around 11am on Tuesday.
City of Casey Mayor Sam Aziz said that the council was in regular contact with Mr Scoble, saying the dogs were being vet-checked and would be cared for until a decision on their future was made.
“Council acted as swiftly as it could within the bounds of the law and in the best interests of the dogs,” Cr Aziz said.
“This sends an important message to anyone who may have excess animals on their property without approval, that it will not be tolerated.”
Council is reminding residents to contact the City of Casey on 9705 5200 to register all animals or obtain any necessary permits.
