By Mitchell Clarke
Cardinia Shire councillors have been praised for defying recommendations to approve a controversial Bunyip “puppy farm” proposal.
During the 1 February Town Planning Meeting, councillors unanimously voted to refuse the application to extend the number of breeding Staffordshire Bull Terriers on the property from 10 fertile females and three males to 30 females and five males.
Bunyip Ward councillor Graeme Moore led the alternate motion after officers recommended that council issue a planning permit.
“It’s always a difficult situation when our planners make a decision on information to approve, but we as councillors, make a stand on refusal,” Cr Moore said.
But the former mayor said a huge community outrage over perceived animal welfare concerns was too hard to ignore.
Cardinia Shire Council received over 100 objections and a petition with more than 8000 signatures. The application did, however, also receive three letters of support, with two of the letters understood to be from local vets.
“You cannot ignore … I cannot ignore … 107 objections. This is a state wide objection. I make no apologies. There are no apologies for this alternate motion to refuse,” he said.
Planning documents suggested the applicant, J&P Armiento which trades as ‘Allbluestaff’, had plans for each dog to have one to two litters per year, depending on their pregnancy recovery and physical and emotional condition.
According to publicly available excerpts from Dogs Victoria, the applicant was suspended for six months and fined $500 in November 2018 for breeding an underage dog and was again fined $500 in April 2019 for breeding a female dog twice in 18 months.
Westernport Ward councillor Ray Brown told the meeting his vote to refuse was based on the premise of animal welfare.
“I’m an animal lover, in particular dogs. We can’t make accusations as to how they’re going to run (their operation) but to go from 10 fertile females to 30 in one hit is extreme in my opinion,” he said.
“Animals can’t speak for themselves and someone has to stand up and say ‘look there’s a lot of grey areas here that need some definition’.”
Central Ward councillor Collin Ross added: “I just can’t see how something like this would be for the good of the Cardinia Shire, the neighbours, or as Cr Brown said, the animals that would be there.”
The application drew statewide attention – and condemnation – from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Victoria, PETA Australia, Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick and Oscar’s Law, a non-profit organisation dedicated to “abolishing” puppy farms.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club’s media liaison, Dr David Lowe, commended the council’s decision to reject the application.
“More importantly, the Club is extremely impressed by the process adopted by councillors in taking the time to defer the matter in the first instance to consider all pertinent matters and arrive at a sound and responsible decision,” Dr Lowe said.
“Cardinia’s approach to this matter serves as an exemplary example for other councils nationally faced with like decisions.”
Mr Meddick thanked the council for listening to their community and “taking a strong position against animal cruelty”.
“Intensive breeding factories for our companion animals have no place in our state. I am relieved to see that council has acknowledged this too,” the MP said.
“Anyone looking for a staffy should adopt from their local pound or shelter. Staffies are one of the most common breeds up for adoption and in need of a loving home.”
