PETITION UPDATE: SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2026 – THE MOMENTUM IS GROWING
Hello to everyone who has signed, shared, and promoted this petition. We have made incredible progress, but we are not finished yet. Please keep the momentum going!
Amazing Community Support
I have two pieces of wonderful news to share:
* A Generous Donation: An anonymous donor has contributed $300 to help me print a batch of professional flyers. This means I can now go out with my support worker to put posters in veterinarian clinics, shop windows, and local offices. This ensures the message reaches people who aren't on social media.
* Geelong Joins the Fight: A fellow Seeing Eye Dog handler from Geelong has reached out and offered to print and share flyers in her area. This petition is no longer just about Traralgon or the Latrobe Valley—it is reaching across Victoria.
Update on the Council and Police
The Mayor and James Rouse (General Manager at Latrobe City Council) have officially confirmed that my petition and the call for better laws were raised at the Community Safety Advisory Committee meeting this week. This meeting included:
* The Regional Inspector from Victoria Police
* Senior Police Sergeants from across Latrobe City
* Martin Cameron MP, Member for Morwell
This is a massive step forward. The top police and our local Member of Parliament have now been briefed on why the current laws are failing Seeing Eye Dog, Guide Dog, and Assistance Dog handlers.
Update from Vision Australia CEO
I have also received a direct response from David Williams, the CEO of Vision Australia. He has expressed his sympathies regarding the attack on Sally and has officially referred my request to their Government Relations and Advocacy team. They are currently determining the best way to support my efforts, and I expect further news from the CEO next week.
The Fight Continues
While the Council is claiming they are limited by the current "Domestic Animals Act," we are proving that the community wants those limits changed. I will not stop until I know that every Seeing Eye Dog, Guide Dog, and Assistance Dog can walk our streets without fear.
Please keep sharing the link:
Thank you for standing with me.
Phillip Chalker
"The Blind Creator"