Vcat Hearing Result

[Bug]

Toothless dog laws bite councils

Paul Tatnell From:Herald Sun May 11, 2012 12:00AM

STRICT new dangerous dog laws are under pressure, with a key test case showing that councils are struggling to enforce them.

The problem is proving a dog is a restricted breed.

Michael Ozzimo, of Altona North, recently won a long legal battle with Hume Council to get his dog back.

The tough new laws, which allow councils to destroy any breed on the restricted-dog register, were introduced after the death of toddler Ayen Chol.

The council claimed Mr Ozzimo's unregistered dog Tess, found wandering Meadow Heights alone, was an American pit bull terrier, a restricted breed.

Mr Ozzimo said Tess, 2, was a staffy and bull mastiff ridgeback-cross. He challenged the council in VCAT last month using blood tests and a veterinarian's letter.

VCAT member Dr Rebecca French agreed and ruled the dog had to be immediately released back to the care of Mr Ozzimo.

The dog had spent five months in a pound. "She was very happy to see me, but not as excited as me," Mr Ozzimo said.

Municipal Association of Victoria CEO Rob Spence said the case was a warning. Councils were already wary of trying to lock up what may be a restricted breed because of the cost and time involved.

A Hume council spokesman said it was seeking a meeting with the Department of Primary Industries. A spokesman for Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh declined to comment

[Robbi]

So glad to hear about a dog being saved from the clutches of BSl but why wont people register their dogs as it would give them a SLIGHT safety net to try and protect their pets.

Hopefully Tess's owner will keep her safe now :)

[Aidan3]

So glad to hear about a dog being saved from the clutches of BSl but why wont people register their dogs as it would give them a SLIGHT safety net to try and protect their pets.

Maybe this is why? http://www.savingpets.com.au/2012/06/a-murder-in-moira/