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.

 

[NickyW]

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.

If a dog is on the nature strip, it should be on a leash... simples. That the owner is a widow is irrelevant. Perhaps the neighbour was tired of picking up dog poo.

 

[Knell]

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

Funny you should say that! I have lived here quite a long time (Qld) and it was such a quiet suburb, with a high population of older people (but not only) - and it was such a friendly suburb. Older people on the road - mainly just local driving and everyone just allowed them to drive a little slower, parking a little skewiff - they were just lovely neighbours and almost everyone co-operated. In the last 5 or 6 years, as many have come from across the borders and the older generation have been offered more than usual for their properties and moved on - WOW - what a difference. People are bickering and complaining about every little thing all the time. Neighbourly is NOT the norm anymore. The demographic is most definitely the high side of income bracket but the low side of humanity.

 

[Knell]

If a dog is on the nature strip, it should be on a leash... simples. That the owner is a widow is irrelevant. Perhaps the neighbour was tired of picking up dog poo.

No mention of poop.

 

[David567]

More money grabbers.

 

[Barbara V]

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.

Old news again

 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

In life, there will always be someone who revels in 'telling tales' ...... what a sad life this neighbour must lead!

 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

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

You won't 'cop' it from me; I live in Regional Victoria in a town with a population of 2,200 individuals and yes, who in their right mind would .....

 

[MHM]

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.

There seems to be something more to this story than SDC simplistic report that " a pensioner was fined $288 on a prosecution by a Council for allowing a pet dog to be on her driveway unleashed". SDC does not define in its report the "driveway". Was it the driveway on the pensioner's (owned or rented) property, or the driveway crossing the road reserve between the roadway and the boundary of the pensioner's property. If the former, the prosecution deserves all the hyperbole expressed in the SDC report, and possibly even the reported ranting of Dean Hurlston. After all, which Australian would not object to a lower level (or indeed, any) government seeking to impose itself on the manner in which an occupier enjoys its private property.
On the other hand, if the dog was running free in the road reserve, even at the front of the pensioners property, it was on public land which is within local government control and subject to its rules and regulations. The fact that a neighbour found it necessary to make a complaint to Council implies that the dog was making a nuisance of itself whilst not under the control of its owner.
SDC should take a lesson from this event. Investigate the facts of reports such as this and get your reports right, without the emotive imbalance such as that provided by Dean Hurlston. It is notable that SDC did not report on the Council's explanation for its prosecution of the pensioner.

 

[Tipsy]

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 sort of criminal bullshit is this..... if the dog was within the properties boundary then NO ONE can charge the owner for not having the dog on a lead.... as for that busybody neighbour better not move into anyplace near me as the shit would definitely hit the fan and it would facing them

 

[Knell]

It appears to be a shared driveway/easement situation. No doubt the law is that dogs outside of fenced area must be on a lead controlled by owner (other than off leash dog park etc). The objection is from one neighbour (as far as I can tell) that as per the rule, it should not be outside of fenced area unless under control on lead. Hence objecting neighbour is correct by letter of the law. No other behaviour complaint has been cited as per story on hard hitting A Current Affair programme (eg pooping, aggressive behaviour, etc). Not sure whether it just escapes from time to time but does not leave the complex as I understand it. So, on face value - it just should not be out at any time is the issue for the neighbour.

 

[PeterV1802]

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.

A DISGRACE AND DISGUSTING HOPE ALL THE COUNCILLORS HAVE A VERY UNHAPPY CHRISTMAS
LOWLIFES

 

[Knell]

I feel very sure that I would much rather see that little doggo's face everyday than what I imagine the sour neighbour's face to look like!

 

[Shane/#]

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.

There is always arseholes that live amongst us whose lives are so sad they have to dob in a widowed pensioner what's the world coming to as for the council probably got their noses in the money trough sucking out as much as they can bloody parasites

 

[Veggiepatch]

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

Unfortunately, I do. The place is full of "look at me" pretensious wankers big noting themselves at every opportunity.

 

[Knell]

Unfortunately, I do. The place is full of "look at me" pretensious wankers big noting themselves at every opportunity.

Certainly the impression I get of the ones that have migrated up here.

 

[Knell]

Certainly the impression I get of the ones that have migrated up here.

Not saying we don't have our share - but on mass, the change is overwhelming. 9 out 10 driving Audis or BMWs, rude, impatient, SPECIAL, entitled and dare I say it - expensive shiny shoes with a stick up their you know where...haha

 

[Sandie1952]

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 .

She’s a widowed pensioner with the dog on her property that’s all you need to know anything else is what you are creating just like that insensitive neighbour

 

[Mindygirl12022]

What e

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.

 

[Mindygirl12022]

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.

Yes exactly what is THEIR problem? They are probably the street's troublemaker. Send them to court for being a nuisance to her neighbour.

 

[Miss Chris]

I’m the owner of a small dog, my third….he‘s yappy and excitable with strangers, as most dogs are, big or small ones…….in a million years I would never let him out front without a leash…..dogs attitude can change in an instant and I would not like to be held responsible for what he might do or what might happen to him should he take it in his head to chase after someone or something. I think it’s irresponsible to allow your pet out without there being any barrier present. Regardless Of what age you might be or what your marital status might be. I wouldn’t deliberately cause trouble about it especially for a neighbour……unless the dog was being a pest or something…I’d just think about how sorry they’d be if something happened to the dog because they were careless with his safety…….