Dog walker Ron Buch fined for walking 10 dogs off leash without a permit in Melbourne Court
A southeastern suburbs dog walker has tangled leashes with council after he was hauled to court for walking too many dogs at once.
South East
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A southeastern suburbs dog walker has slammed council’s “heavy handed” approach to dog walkers after he was dragged to court for walking too many dogs.
Ron Buch, who owns a popular dog walking business named Watch Pets, was fined $960 after he was caught by council officers walking ten dogs off leash near the St Kilda promenade in December last year.
“I’ve been walking dogs for over 20 years and never had an issue,” Mr Buch told the Herald Sun outside court.
“I’ve noticed in the last year or two Port Phillip (and other councils) have been cracking down on dog walkers.
“I think they’re a bit short of money and it’s just a grab for money.”
Mr Buch said he believed the council was “unfairly targeting” him.
“I’ve had council officers follow me in their car,” he said.
“They have come to my home three times, they think I’m running an illegal boarding house for dogs.”
Mr Buch said other dog walking companies had also been targeted and had since closed down due to financial difficulties.
According to Port Phillip council rules, dog walkers cannot walk more than seven dogs at a time without a permit.
Mr Buch had a permit but the permit rules dictated the dogs must be kept on a leash, even in an off leash park where Mr Buch was caught.
Port Phillip City Council mayor Heather Cunsolo said council officers patrolled public spaces daily.
“Council officers undertake daily patrols to ensure our public spaces are safe, clean and enjoyable for all users,” she said.
“They don’t target any particular category of dog walkers — whether it’s a commercial operation or a person walking their own pet.”
Ms Cunsolo said in Mr Buch’s case the dog walking permit conditions were “clearly stated” on the permit.
“The owner would not have been fined if they had brought another person along to manage four of these dogs,” she said.
“We implemented the permit last year after community members expressed concerns about the ability of commercial dog walkers to control large numbers of dogs in public spaces, including off-leash areas.
“This is about helping ensure all dogs are under effective control, their behaviour is easily monitored and that walkers are able to notice and pick up their dogs’ waste.”
Mr Buch’s company Watchpets pleaded guilty to walking too many dogs without a permit in the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
The original council fine handed to Buch was $960 and the council prosecutor sought costs of more than $1200.
In court, the fine was reduced to $200 and Mr Buch was ordered to pay back $150 in costs, which made it hundreds of dollars cheaper for him to deal with the fine in court.
The court heard Mr Buch was confused about the permit rules believing he could have the dogs off leash in a designated off leash park.
