Bayside Council, well-known for covering some of Melbourne’s wealthiest regions, including Brighton and Beaumaris, is currently under heavy scrutiny for its treatment of a widowed pensioner.

The council has reportedly slapped a widowed pensioner with a $288 fine for allowing her Shih Tzu, Clarie, to be on her own driveway without a leash.

This situation has raised questions about the role of local councils and their approach towards their residents.

The incident came to light when a neighbour reported the pensioner's actions to the council.

A woman was fined for allegedly allowing her dog to roam on her driveway without a leash. Image source: Freepik.

The council's decision to penalise the pensioner has been met with widespread criticism, with many calling it an insensitive and callous act.

Dean Hurlston, President of local government watchdog Council Watch, described the incident as 'absolutely disgusting'.

Hurlston's sentiments echoed the growing discontent among Victorians and Australians at large about the role of their local councils.

'What’s the role of the council—is it to be a moral crusader and police enforcement agency, or is it to provide service that we all pay good money for and deliver good things?' he wondered.

Hurlston pointed out that residents are unhappy with the state of their streets and the lack of maintenance.

'The council is not doing its job. People aren’t satisfied with it…They’re not getting good service and that extends across all councils,' he claimed.

In light of the incident, Hurlston encouraged the pensioner to dispute her fine.

He suggested that she should take her case to the Magistrates Court and explain her situation.

'Magistrates are often very empathetic, especially to a widow. [Clarie] is probably her companion now,' he said.

'It’s really, really immoral behaviour. Judges are usually going to be much more sympathetic and probably let you off.'

Hurlston's comments reflect the sentiment that councils should be more understanding and compassionate towards their residents. He criticised the neighbour who reported the pensioner's actions, stating that communities should look out for each other rather than resorting to such behaviour.

'It’s really feeding into the narrative that councils are there just to punish people,' he added.

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne council is under scrutiny for fining a widowed pensioner for having her dog on her driveway without a lead.
• The Bayside Council imposed a fine of $288 after a neighbour reported the alleged offence.
• Dean Hurlston, president of local government watchdog Council Watch, labelled the incident as 'absolutely disgusting' and criticised the council for poor service and management.
• Hurlston urged the pensioner to challenge the fine in court, while also condemning the neighbour who reported the situation.

What are your thoughts on this incident? Have you had similar experiences with your local council? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below.

 

[bluetang]

Bayside Council, well-known for covering some of Melbourne’s wealthiest regions, including Brighton and Beaumaris, is currently under heavy scrutiny for its treatment of a widowed pensioner.

The council has reportedly slapped a widowed pensioner with a $288 fine for allowing her Shih Tzu, Clarie, to be on her own driveway without a leash.

This situation has raised questions about the role of local councils and their approach towards their residents.

The incident came to light when a neighbour reported the pensioner's actions to the council.

View attachment 36833

A woman was fined for allegedly allowing her dog to roam on her driveway without a leash. Image source: Freepik.

The council's decision to penalise the pensioner has been met with widespread criticism, with many calling it an insensitive and callous act.

Dean Hurlston, President of local government watchdog Council Watch, described the incident as 'absolutely disgusting'.

Hurlston's sentiments echoed the growing discontent among Victorians and Australians at large about the role of their local councils.

'What’s the role of the council—is it to be a moral crusader and police enforcement agency, or is it to provide service that we all pay good money for and deliver good things?' he wondered.

Hurlston pointed out that residents are unhappy with the state of their streets and the lack of maintenance.

'The council is not doing its job. People aren’t satisfied with it…They’re not getting good service and that extends across all councils,' he claimed.

In light of the incident, Hurlston encouraged the pensioner to dispute her fine.

He suggested that she should take her case to the Magistrates Court and explain her situation.

'Magistrates are often very empathetic, especially to a widow. [Clarie] is probably her companion now,' he said.

'It’s really, really immoral behaviour. Judges are usually going to be much more sympathetic and probably let you off.'

Hurlston's comments reflect the sentiment that councils should be more understanding and compassionate towards their residents. He criticised the neighbour who reported the pensioner's actions, stating that communities should look out for each other rather than resorting to such behaviour.

'It’s really feeding into the narrative that councils are there just to punish people,' he added.

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne council is under scrutiny for fining a widowed pensioner for having her dog on her driveway without a lead.
• The Bayside Council imposed a fine of $288 after a neighbour reported the alleged offence.
• Dean Hurlston, president of local government watchdog Council Watch, labelled the incident as 'absolutely disgusting' and criticised the council for poor service and management.
• Hurlston urged the pensioner to challenge the fine in court, while also condemning the neighbour who reported the situation.

What are your thoughts on this incident? Have you had similar experiences with your local council? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below.

What a neighbor this poor woman has. The little dog was on her own property.

 

[NotNats]

Bayside Council, well-known for covering some of Melbourne’s wealthiest regions, including Brighton and Beaumaris, is currently under heavy scrutiny for its treatment of a widowed pensioner.

The council has reportedly slapped a widowed pensioner with a $288 fine for allowing her Shih Tzu, Clarie, to be on her own driveway without a leash.

This situation has raised questions about the role of local councils and their approach towards their residents.

The incident came to light when a neighbour reported the pensioner's actions to the council.

View attachment 36833

A woman was fined for allegedly allowing her dog to roam on her driveway without a leash. Image source: Freepik.

The council's decision to penalise the pensioner has been met with widespread criticism, with many calling it an insensitive and callous act.

Dean Hurlston, President of local government watchdog Council Watch, described the incident as 'absolutely disgusting'.

Hurlston's sentiments echoed the growing discontent among Victorians and Australians at large about the role of their local councils.

'What’s the role of the council—is it to be a moral crusader and police enforcement agency, or is it to provide service that we all pay good money for and deliver good things?' he wondered.

Hurlston pointed out that residents are unhappy with the state of their streets and the lack of maintenance.

'The council is not doing its job. People aren’t satisfied with it…They’re not getting good service and that extends across all councils,' he claimed.

In light of the incident, Hurlston encouraged the pensioner to dispute her fine.

He suggested that she should take her case to the Magistrates Court and explain her situation.

'Magistrates are often very empathetic, especially to a widow. [Clarie] is probably her companion now,' he said.

'It’s really, really immoral behaviour. Judges are usually going to be much more sympathetic and probably let you off.'

Hurlston's comments reflect the sentiment that councils should be more understanding and compassionate towards their residents. He criticised the neighbour who reported the pensioner's actions, stating that communities should look out for each other rather than resorting to such behaviour.

'It’s really feeding into the narrative that councils are there just to punish people,' he added.

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne council is under scrutiny for fining a widowed pensioner for having her dog on her driveway without a lead.
• The Bayside Council imposed a fine of $288 after a neighbour reported the alleged offence.
• Dean Hurlston, president of local government watchdog Council Watch, labelled the incident as 'absolutely disgusting' and criticised the council for poor service and management.
• Hurlston urged the pensioner to challenge the fine in court, while also condemning the neighbour who reported the situation.

What are your thoughts on this incident? Have you had similar experiences with your local council? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below.

This is wrong on so many levels - I truly thought while your pet/animal was within the boarder of your land they could be off the leash. I so glad that I have fences completely around my boarders and that neighbour should be ashamed of themselves.

 

[Knell]

Just an example of how petty people can be. Clearly Council were forced to act on the letter of the law due to neighbour/s complaints. Court will throw it out I hope.

 

[Baz1960]

Bayside Council, well-known for covering some of Melbourne’s wealthiest regions, including Brighton and Beaumaris, is currently under heavy scrutiny for its treatment of a widowed pensioner.

The council has reportedly slapped a widowed pensioner with a $288 fine for allowing her Shih Tzu, Clarie, to be on her own driveway without a leash.

This situation has raised questions about the role of local councils and their approach towards their residents.

The incident came to light when a neighbour reported the pensioner's actions to the council.

View attachment 36833

A woman was fined for allegedly allowing her dog to roam on her driveway without a leash. Image source: Freepik.

The council's decision to penalise the pensioner has been met with widespread criticism, with many calling it an insensitive and callous act.

Dean Hurlston, President of local government watchdog Council Watch, described the incident as 'absolutely disgusting'.

Hurlston's sentiments echoed the growing discontent among Victorians and Australians at large about the role of their local councils.

'What’s the role of the council—is it to be a moral crusader and police enforcement agency, or is it to provide service that we all pay good money for and deliver good things?' he wondered.

Hurlston pointed out that residents are unhappy with the state of their streets and the lack of maintenance.

'The council is not doing its job. People aren’t satisfied with it…They’re not getting good service and that extends across all councils,' he claimed.

In light of the incident, Hurlston encouraged the pensioner to dispute her fine.

He suggested that she should take her case to the Magistrates Court and explain her situation.

'Magistrates are often very empathetic, especially to a widow. [Clarie] is probably her companion now,' he said.

'It’s really, really immoral behaviour. Judges are usually going to be much more sympathetic and probably let you off.'

Hurlston's comments reflect the sentiment that councils should be more understanding and compassionate towards their residents. He criticised the neighbour who reported the pensioner's actions, stating that communities should look out for each other rather than resorting to such behaviour.

'It’s really feeding into the narrative that councils are there just to punish people,' he added.

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne council is under scrutiny for fining a widowed pensioner for having her dog on her driveway without a lead.
• The Bayside Council imposed a fine of $288 after a neighbour reported the alleged offence.
• Dean Hurlston, president of local government watchdog Council Watch, labelled the incident as 'absolutely disgusting' and criticised the council for poor service and management.
• Hurlston urged the pensioner to challenge the fine in court, while also condemning the neighbour who reported the situation.

What are your thoughts on this incident? Have you had similar experiences with your local council? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below.

Was the dog on her property or footpath. Perhaps previously was the dog under scrutiny for aggressive action etc etc. Pensioner or not. Story is low on information .

 

[Col@45]

Bayside Council, well-known for covering some of Melbourne’s wealthiest regions, including Brighton and Beaumaris, is currently under heavy scrutiny for its treatment of a widowed pensioner.

The council has reportedly slapped a widowed pensioner with a $288 fine for allowing her Shih Tzu, Clarie, to be on her own driveway without a leash.

This situation has raised questions about the role of local councils and their approach towards their residents.

The incident came to light when a neighbour reported the pensioner's actions to the council.

View attachment 36833

A woman was fined for allegedly allowing her dog to roam on her driveway without a leash. Image source: Freepik.

The council's decision to penalise the pensioner has been met with widespread criticism, with many calling it an insensitive and callous act.

Dean Hurlston, President of local government watchdog Council Watch, described the incident as 'absolutely disgusting'.

Hurlston's sentiments echoed the growing discontent among Victorians and Australians at large about the role of their local councils.

'What’s the role of the council—is it to be a moral crusader and police enforcement agency, or is it to provide service that we all pay good money for and deliver good things?' he wondered.

Hurlston pointed out that residents are unhappy with the state of their streets and the lack of maintenance.

'The council is not doing its job. People aren’t satisfied with it…They’re not getting good service and that extends across all councils,' he claimed.

In light of the incident, Hurlston encouraged the pensioner to dispute her fine.

He suggested that she should take her case to the Magistrates Court and explain her situation.

'Magistrates are often very empathetic, especially to a widow. [Clarie] is probably her companion now,' he said.

'It’s really, really immoral behaviour. Judges are usually going to be much more sympathetic and probably let you off.'

Hurlston's comments reflect the sentiment that councils should be more understanding and compassionate towards their residents. He criticised the neighbour who reported the pensioner's actions, stating that communities should look out for each other rather than resorting to such behaviour.

'It’s really feeding into the narrative that councils are there just to punish people,' he added.

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne council is under scrutiny for fining a widowed pensioner for having her dog on her driveway without a lead.
• The Bayside Council imposed a fine of $288 after a neighbour reported the alleged offence.
• Dean Hurlston, president of local government watchdog Council Watch, labelled the incident as 'absolutely disgusting' and criticised the council for poor service and management.
• Hurlston urged the pensioner to challenge the fine in court, while also condemning the neighbour who reported the situation.

What are your thoughts on this incident? Have you had similar experiences with your local council? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below.

Surely there's more important things to worry about and that neighbour needs to get a life !!

 

[CristinaV]

We are a country of dobbers. Nothing more to say.

 

[Knell]

Was the dog on her property or footpath. Perhaps previously was the dog under scrutiny for aggressive action etc etc. Pensioner or not. Story is low on information .

Dog is a Shih Tzu, small dog, hardly threatening. Dog was on owner's driveway, so still on own property.

 

[Bill Mcl]

Neighbour might get a mystery bag for xmas, I Shih Tzu not...

 

[Knell]

Dog is a Shih Tzu, small dog, hardly threatening. Dog was on owner's driveway, so still on own property.

Neighbour might get a mystery bag for xmas, I Shih Tzu not...

Love this!!!! ahahaha

 

[Luckyus]

Dog is a Shih Tzu, small dog, hardly threatening. Dog was on owner's driveway, so still on own property.

Should it spelt Shit Hzu?.

 

[bellbirdcats]

I believe it was a communal driveway, not her own driveway, and she had been warned previously that dogs were not allowed there without being on a leash. Little dogs can bite and attack as well. It would help if the whole story was told, not just the emotional and sensational bits.

From another report (https://7news.com.au/news/melbourne...-dog-off-leash-on-her-own-property-c-12808283):

“Council issued an infringement notice to a dog owner after receiving multiple complaints about a dog not being securely confined to the owner’s premises,” it said.

“Allowing a dog to roam in an unfenced front yard or unsecured open area is an offence against the Domestic Animals Act,” it said.

“The dog owner had been spoken to multiple times and was aware her dog needed to be secured to the property to prevent injury, nuisance or attacks.”

The neighbour who made the official complaint said he had spoken to Murphy several times about Clarrie before taking the matter further.

 

[RFG]

Bayside Council, well-known for covering some of Melbourne’s wealthiest regions, including Brighton and Beaumaris, is currently under heavy scrutiny for its treatment of a widowed pensioner.

The council has reportedly slapped a widowed pensioner with a $288 fine for allowing her Shih Tzu, Clarie, to be on her own driveway without a leash.

This situation has raised questions about the role of local councils and their approach towards their residents.

The incident came to light when a neighbour reported the pensioner's actions to the council.

View attachment 36833

A woman was fined for allegedly allowing her dog to roam on her driveway without a leash. Image source: Freepik.

The council's decision to penalise the pensioner has been met with widespread criticism, with many calling it an insensitive and callous act.

Dean Hurlston, President of local government watchdog Council Watch, described the incident as 'absolutely disgusting'.

Hurlston's sentiments echoed the growing discontent among Victorians and Australians at large about the role of their local councils.

'What’s the role of the council—is it to be a moral crusader and police enforcement agency, or is it to provide service that we all pay good money for and deliver good things?' he wondered.

Hurlston pointed out that residents are unhappy with the state of their streets and the lack of maintenance.

'The council is not doing its job. People aren’t satisfied with it…They’re not getting good service and that extends across all councils,' he claimed.

In light of the incident, Hurlston encouraged the pensioner to dispute her fine.

He suggested that she should take her case to the Magistrates Court and explain her situation.

'Magistrates are often very empathetic, especially to a widow. [Clarie] is probably her companion now,' he said.

'It’s really, really immoral behaviour. Judges are usually going to be much more sympathetic and probably let you off.'

Hurlston's comments reflect the sentiment that councils should be more understanding and compassionate towards their residents. He criticised the neighbour who reported the pensioner's actions, stating that communities should look out for each other rather than resorting to such behaviour.

'It’s really feeding into the narrative that councils are there just to punish people,' he added.

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne council is under scrutiny for fining a widowed pensioner for having her dog on her driveway without a lead.
• The Bayside Council imposed a fine of $288 after a neighbour reported the alleged offence.
• Dean Hurlston, president of local government watchdog Council Watch, labelled the incident as 'absolutely disgusting' and criticised the council for poor service and management.
• Hurlston urged the pensioner to challenge the fine in court, while also condemning the neighbour who reported the situation.

What are your thoughts on this incident? Have you had similar experiences with your local council? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below.

Yeah, I can't figure councils out at times. My neighbours 2 dogs repeatedly jumped over our boundary fence and attacked my 2 dogs and went me also. Cost a few thousand dollars over two of the dogs attacks..had recorded dates & times they jumped over had had photo evidence and reported it to council. They also menaced walkers on the road a few times. According to council they "took appropriate action". Neighbour would only paying $1000 of the vet bills. Now the neighbour has 4 dogs plus have had litters of pups (12 dogs at one stage) and most days they bark and carry on all day. Where was justice for my dogs and they continue breaching council animal laws. At least neighbour extended the height of their fence, so no more jumping over it.

 

[Jennylolo]

Just an example of how petty people can be. Clearly Council were forced to act on the letter of the law due to neighbour/s complaints. Court will throw it out I hope.

council can act on complaint without fining!

 

[mylittletibbies]

I believe it was a communal driveway, not her own driveway, and she had been warned previously that dogs were not allowed there without being on a leash. Little dogs can bite and attack as well. It would help if the whole story was told, not just the emotional and sensational bits.

From another report (https://7news.com.au/news/melbourne...-dog-off-leash-on-her-own-property-c-12808283):

“Council issued an infringement notice to a dog owner after receiving multiple complaints about a dog not being securely confined to the owner’s premises,” it said.

“Allowing a dog to roam in an unfenced front yard or unsecured open area is an offence against the Domestic Animals Act,” it said.

“The dog owner had been spoken to multiple times and was aware her dog needed to be secured to the property to prevent injury, nuisance or attacks.”

The neighbour who made the official complaint said he had spoken to Murphy several times about Clarrie before taking the matter further.

That shines a different light on things.

 

[Jennylolo]

I believe it was a communal driveway, not her own driveway, and she had been warned previously that dogs were not allowed there without being on a leash. Little dogs can bite and attack as well. It would help if the whole story was told, not just the emotional and sensational bits.

From another report (https://7news.com.au/news/melbourne...-dog-off-leash-on-her-own-property-c-12808283):

“Council issued an infringement notice to a dog owner after receiving multiple complaints about a dog not being securely confined to the owner’s premises,” it said.

“Allowing a dog to roam in an unfenced front yard or unsecured open area is an offence against the Domestic Animals Act,” it said.

“The dog owner had been spoken to multiple times and was aware her dog needed to be secured to the property to prevent injury, nuisance or attacks.”

The neighbour who made the official complaint said he had spoken to Murphy several times about Clarrie before taking the matter further.

that certainly changes all replies no doubt. Fair enough then.

 

[Knell]

Nope, does not change my reply - petty! There are many elderly drivers around that drive some 30 kph under the set limit, which is actually an offence, however most reasonable and decent people would not report them even though it is very annoying and somewhat dangerous. No suggestion of this small dog being aggressive...just a petty person in my opinion.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Nope, does not change my reply - petty! There are many elderly drivers around that drive some 30 kph under the set limit, which is actually an offence, however most reasonable and decent people would not report them even though it is very annoying and somewhat dangerous. No suggestion of this small dog being aggressive...just a petty person in my opinion.

Unfortunately when you live on shared property there are rules regarding pets and you must obey them
It says she was warned on several occasions and chose to ignore these warnings .
These little dogs can be quite snappy on occasions, I know I have two.
We don't know the full story, perhaps this little dog was getting into the neighbours garden, toileting in inappropriate places, etc
At the end of the day she took no notice of the warnings after having been spoken to on several occasions, so therefore she was fined.
She bought this on herself
What the fact that she is a widow had to do with it I don't know.

 

[Knell]

Perhaps? I feel sure we would have heard about all these things if that were the case. The man had the opportunity to say so, but did not when discussing with interviewer, even though he chose not to be on camera. How long was it out for? Could be a little escape artist but other neighbours didn't seem to mind. But yes, the rule is the rule - and some people are just whingers.

 

[Jest]

Bayside Council, well-known for covering some of Melbourne’s wealthiest regions, including Brighton and Beaumaris, is currently under heavy scrutiny for its treatment of a widowed pensioner.

The council has reportedly slapped a widowed pensioner with a $288 fine for allowing her Shih Tzu, Clarie, to be on her own driveway without a leash.

This situation has raised questions about the role of local councils and their approach towards their residents.

The incident came to light when a neighbour reported the pensioner's actions to the council.

View attachment 36833

A woman was fined for allegedly allowing her dog to roam on her driveway without a leash. Image source: Freepik.

The council's decision to penalise the pensioner has been met with widespread criticism, with many calling it an insensitive and callous act.

Dean Hurlston, President of local government watchdog Council Watch, described the incident as 'absolutely disgusting'.

Hurlston's sentiments echoed the growing discontent among Victorians and Australians at large about the role of their local councils.

'What’s the role of the council—is it to be a moral crusader and police enforcement agency, or is it to provide service that we all pay good money for and deliver good things?' he wondered.

Hurlston pointed out that residents are unhappy with the state of their streets and the lack of maintenance.

'The council is not doing its job. People aren’t satisfied with it…They’re not getting good service and that extends across all councils,' he claimed.

In light of the incident, Hurlston encouraged the pensioner to dispute her fine.

He suggested that she should take her case to the Magistrates Court and explain her situation.

'Magistrates are often very empathetic, especially to a widow. [Clarie] is probably her companion now,' he said.

'It’s really, really immoral behaviour. Judges are usually going to be much more sympathetic and probably let you off.'

Hurlston's comments reflect the sentiment that councils should be more understanding and compassionate towards their residents. He criticised the neighbour who reported the pensioner's actions, stating that communities should look out for each other rather than resorting to such behaviour.

'It’s really feeding into the narrative that councils are there just to punish people,' he added.

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne council is under scrutiny for fining a widowed pensioner for having her dog on her driveway without a lead.
• The Bayside Council imposed a fine of $288 after a neighbour reported the alleged offence.
• Dean Hurlston, president of local government watchdog Council Watch, labelled the incident as 'absolutely disgusting' and criticised the council for poor service and management.
• Hurlston urged the pensioner to challenge the fine in court, while also condemning the neighbour who reported the situation.

What are your thoughts on this incident? Have you had similar experiences with your local council? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below.

who would live in Melbourne? The neighbour must a fun person, now i hope they get it left right and centre.