By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A CASEY-based employee of the Animal Cruelty Hotline has welcomed the Victorian Government’s investigation into the Lost Dogs’ Home.
The Lost Dogs’ Home, which has a South Eastern Pound Service in Cranbourne, has been battered by public outrage in the last month with accusations of wrongful and unnecessary euthanasia of its animals.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford has since announced a departmental investigation into the Lost Dogs’ Home, which provides pound services for a number of Victorian councils including Casey.
It’s understood authorised officers are currently investigating the Lost Dogs’ Home and are expected to report back to Ms Pulford within weeks.
Animal Cruelty Hotline senior investigations officer Barrie Tapp, from Cranbourne, said the investigation was long overdue.
“I welcome the inquiry, it’s been needed for a long time,” Mr Tapp said.
“This is only the tip of the iceberg.
“This issue has been brewing and festering for some time, the Pound Alliance has been pushing this for years and finally we have a minister who has the guts to do something.”
Casey Council has also backed the State Government’s review.
City of Casey manager Community Safety Caroline Bell said the council would also back any review into the standards of animal care in the state.
“The City of Casey takes the welfare of animals very seriously,” Ms Bell said.
“Casey is one of the few local governments in Victoria whose staff involved in animal management are authorised under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and the first Council in Victoria to successfully prosecute a puppy farm in its municipality.
“While the review announced by the State Government is focused around the North Melbourne pound, we support any review into standards of animal care in Victoria, ensuring the highest standards are being adhered to as outlined in the Domestic Animals Act and Codes of Practice.”
Chair of the Lost Dogs’ Home Dr Andrew Tribe told The Age last month the shelter would review its policies and practices with the aim of reducing the number of animals euthanized.
Casey council has had a contract with the Lost Dogs’ Home since June 2011.
Between 1 January and 31 December last year, 1534 dogs and 945 cats were impounded from the municipality.
Under State Government legislation, residents are required to register their pets by 10 April each year.
Residents can view a list of lost animals on council’s website at www.casey.vic.gov.au/lostpets.
