No dogs allowed, but still no reasons from Kingston Council.  Thank you to everyone who has written to Kingston Council - past clients, students we have mentored, local veterinarians, veterinary behaviourists, people who hoped to join a class, local welfare agencies wanting to train therapy dogs and many more!  Thank you so much.

We met with a council member last Friday at the Community Hall.  They were not able to give reasons why dogs are now prohibited in the hall, but were surprised that we only have 4-6 baby puppies inside at any one time.  We provided lots of information on the work we do, but still no communication from management.

Everyone is asking the same thing - why?  Why are classes being stopped?  

One person received this response from Kate Waters, GM Community Strengthening

"As mentioned, officers are in communication with Jennifer and it is important I respect that however I can share that in the last few years, Council has identified the need to maximise the use of Council facilities. The direction from Council has prompted officers to review the management model of community halls. This has included reviewing fair and equitable usage and access processes, fees and charges and strategies to further activate the community halls. As such, dog training is no longer considered an appropriate use of a community hall. The types of uses appropriate to community halls are people based i.e. yoga, card groups and kids birthday parties."

How can one person at council make a decision like this about policy on facility usage without a council resolution and whilst in caretaker mode?  This decision is impacting so many people, not just me and my love of my work.  It’s distressing and I would like it resolved so that I can give people answers.

Thank you for your support - please keep signing and sharing and here's hoping that together, we can make a difference.

Jen x