Good meeting with police...

Hi folks,

I met yesterday with the Sergeant who took my report and the Corporal who is assisting him at West End Police Station. 

The conversation started off on an awkward foot when the Corporal tried to convince me that the police aren't able to identify the breed of dog, as classified in the Dog Control Act. I quickly corrected him and indicated that a class B dog "means a dog other than a class A dog". I'm quoting directly from the Act here. So the distinction he raises is irrelevant in my case as Section 16(2) of the Act states: "An owner or keeper of a class B dog shall cause that dog to be trained by a certified dog trainer where it has come to the attention of a constable or an authorised officer or a local authority that the dog has been dangerously out of control on at least one occasion."

The Act further states in 16(4): "A person who contravenes this section commits and offense and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifty thousand dollars and to imprisonment for one year." Now while I agree this punishment is unreasonably harsh, especially given the circumstances of the owner of the dogs who killed Toro, I will not understand why it has taken so long for the police to ACT on the law.

The Act goes on in 18(1): "A person who...owns a class B dog that has been dangerously out of control on at least one occasion shall cause to be displayed in a prominent place on the premises, a notice indicating that there is ... a dangerous class B dog on the premises." I can confirm this has not been done at the premises. Further, in 18(2): "A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of ten thousand dollars." Again, this is a harsh fine but it is the law which the police have not enforced in my matter.

Yet another piece of legislation is the Summary Offences Act which in Section 77 Confinement of Animals (2) states: "Every animal shall, except when it is in transit and in charge of the owner or some person acting on his behalf, be confined by its owner". Further, 77(3) states: "Any owner who refuses, fails, or neglects to act in conformity with this section is liable on first conviction to a fine of two hundred dollars, and on any subsequent conviction to a fine of four hundred dollars or to imprisonment for two months." And, 77(4): "The fact that an animal is found off the premises of its owner shall be prima facie evidence that an offence under this section has been committed by the owner of such animal."

Anyway, the meeting continued with the officers explaining the other constraints (all legitimate) they face in treating with animal control matters and reiterated the responsibility of the regional authority (i.e. the Regional Corporation) to ACT when reports such as mine are received. 

They further suggested, and I accepted, that they invite the owner of the dogs to meet with me and any other members of the community who are interested, so I/we may explain our concerns about the animals and get I'm to agree to relinquish the animals. Should he agree to that course of action, the officers promised to follow up with the TTSPCA to have the animals removed and rehomed. That's the perfect scenario for me. I don't want any harm to come to the dogs. I just want them to be cared for in a responsible manner, which includes a home in which they can be contained.

The officers also indicated that the legal officer assigned to the station was looking at the legislation to see what action could be taken. I have no idea what could be taking so long to deduce that charges can be laid in the matter as a layperson can see the law has been violated, but I await the result of the legal officer's findings.

Overall, I think this was a positive step towards #JusticeforToro and I'm glad progress is being made. 

There remains the Council meeting which I'm told is happening on 26 June. I plan to attend and address the Council if allowed to do so to ensure they are seriously considering my suggestion that an Animal Control Unit is established at the Corporation. I'll let you know how that goes.

Thanks as always for your support and continue to share the petition! Every signature and comment helps!