Sandringham dog owner Judy Murphy fined $288 by Bayside Council

Bayside dog owners have a bone to pick with the local council after one of their own was slapped with a massive fine for breaking a little known rule.

A Bayside Maltese Shitzu is in the doghouse after he broke a little known rule, resulting in a massive fine for his owner.

Judy Murphy, 79, was slapped with a $288 fine by the local council after her “sweet little lapdog” Clarrie was busted standing in his Sandringham driveway without a lead.

An Eagle-eyed neighbour papped Clarrie and sent the evidence to Bayside Council.

When Ms Murphy questioned the council about the penalty she was told that it was her legal responsibility to securely confine her dog to the property.

This image of Clarrie standing in his Sandringham driveway saw Bayside Council fine Judy Murphy $288. Picture: supplied.

Ms Murphy said none of her friends with dogs had heard of the rule that led to her fine.

“The council doesn’t have it on their website – I would have expected full disclosure from them as it is a little known fine and who would know about this (state government) website?” she said,

“Perhaps the council could print all laws regarding animal safety on every yearly animal registration (notices).”

She was directed to an agriculture website run by the state government for the full run down of legal requirements for dog owners.

Clarrie with owner Judy Murphy outside their Sandringham unit. Picture: Mark Stewart

The $288 fine Bayside Council issued Judy Murphy for having her dog Clarrie “at large” in her Sandringham driveway. Picture: Mark Stewart

Bayside Council’s City Planning and Amenity director Matthew Cripps said the council had received multiple complaints about a dog not being “securely confined to the owner’s premises”.

“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 from occurring,” he said.

“Dog owners need to ensure their dog is secured to their property. Allowing a dog to roam in an unfenced front yard or unsecured open area is an offence against the Domestic Animals Act.”

Ms Murphy said Clarrie rarely left her side and would never behave aggressively.

“He’s not a threat. He’s a sweet little dog,” she said.

Clarrie is a Melbourne Football Club supporter and was there with Judy when the Dees won the 2021 premiership. Picture: supplied.

Clarrie is always on the lead when he leaves the Sandringham property. Picture: Mark Stewart

Bayside’s canine community has come out in support of Ms Murphy.

“That’s crazy!,” one woman posted to social media.

“We have no backyard and my dog loves to wander around the driveway and common area of our units (I’m always with her).

“I’d hate to be fined for that.

“Surely council should only fine someone if their dog has rushed out of the property and been aggressive?”

Another member of the Bayside Dog Owners group called out the neighbour who shopped Clarrie to the council.

“If it was off lead in the street I would understand, but come one, seriously, don’t be a Karen and just pick the dog up and take it back home, it’s not a big deal,” she said.

“Some people can be so precious.”

Another dog owner offered to crowd fund to pay the fine.

“I don’t want that. It’s so lovely of people to offer, but I’ll just have to find the money and pay it myself,” Ms Murphy said.

She said Clarrie, who turns five next week, might have to tone down his birthday celebrations to help cover the bill.