City of Melton: Sally and Chris Cassar fight council in court over smelly birds allegations
When a Brookfield couple moved to their large property a decade ago, they didn’t think their four parrots would be a problem. But after years of butting heads with Melton Council over their pets, and a recent $500 fine, they’re now taking their fight to court.
North West
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A bird-loving Brookfield couple has vowed to ruffle feathers after the City of Melton accused their avian pals of being too smelly.
Sally and Chris Cassar faced a brief hearing at the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on January 10 after they were slapped with a fine, and a fail to comply notice.
The ratepayers, who live on their Springbank Way 0.4ha property with four parrots – Coco, Sugar, Suzie and Charlie – and 10 chickens, told the Leader their pet birds are not guilty.
“Our birds don’t smell,” Ms Cassar said.
“They’re friendly, they’ll talk to you.”
Ms Cassar said she was “doing everything she could” to comply with the council’s demands but it was “never good enough”.
“I feel like we’ve been bullied because we’ve been harassed by the shire (Melton Council) several times.
“I’m banging my head up against a brick wall.
“Why should we live in a suburb which demands money – which is good money – and we can’t have a voice.”
The couple ran afoul after the council alleged they were in breach of a local bylaw clause which states property owners “must not allow any noise or smell” to come from any animal including birds.
The council served the notice because “an authorised officer reasonably believes (Ms Cassar) is in breach”.
Ms Cassar also claimed she and her husband had received three separate fines because of their birds.
“I’m not paying three fines, I’m not even paying one fine,” she said.
“Enough is enough, we’re not taking anymore off this council, we’re taking a stand in court.”
The Cassars said problems with the council began soon after they moved into their home in 2009.
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Ms Cassar claimed one neighbour in particular had made their life “extremely difficult”.
“There is so much hate towards us,” she said.
She said the council pressure ramped up in 2017 when they were issued with a $500 fine for “keeping animals contrary to relevant codes of practice”.
The matter returns to court on March 3.