Pakenham family devastated over Cardinia Council’s threats to seize ‘aggressive’ pug Darcie
He looks the picture of innocence — but Pakenham pug Darcie is firmly in a council’s sights, accused of repeated aggression. Darcie’s heartbroken family says their beloved pooch is innocent and is fighting to save him.
South East
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A tiny three-year-old pup is at the centre of dramatic legal action after being accused of “rushing” a number of people.
But little pug Darcie’s heartbroken Pakenham family say their beloved pet is innocent and is a gentle and loving dog.
Cardinia Council has told Lauren and Ben Dalton and children Jayden, 11, and Hayley, 14, they plan to seize Darcie “for evidentiary purposes and to take photos” of him.
The council alleges the “rushes” occurred on May 1 at 10am and 10.10am, and a third time on May 8 at 7.15am.
“The council have provided us with three unclear still photos of a black dog — but we know Darcie wouldn’t have done something like this as he’s so friendly towards people and animals,” Ms Dalton said.
“He has never been aggressive towards anyone and at the time this has been alleged to have occurred, he was securely contained.”
Ms Dalton said the council had not specified the details surrounding the dog rushes, leaving them more frustrated.
The mum-of-two said at the time of the alleged incidents, the family was overseas, while a housesitter was looking after the dog.
She said compliance officers from the council visited the property and inspected Darcie’s secured cage and location of CCTV cameras and were satisfied.
“We have not received a caution, no infringement notices, but three months later Ben was informed by email that the council were filing charges relating to multiple offences under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.”
“We’ve also been advised that if Darcie is not voluntarily given to the council for photographs, they will obtain a search warrant and attend with police, but officers had several opportunities to take photos of him upon visiting our properties.”
Mr Dalton told the Leader he has images from a CCTV camera which show Darcie in his kennel or being fed by the carer with time stamps close to when the offences are said to have occurred.
“We hope the council can rethink this decision as this has been so stressful for us. Darcie was our son’s birthday present three years ago and he is so loved by us,” Ms Dalton said.
Eastern Metropolitan Region state MP Jeff Bourman, who met Darcie on Monday, said he believed the dog wasn’t capable of hurting anyone.
“This is a gross overreaction by the council and their response has completely blown my mind,” Mr Bourman said.
The Dalton family has now started a change.org petition, which has racked up almost more than 2000 signatures, begging the public to support its case.
But Cardinia Shire Council general manager infrastructure and environment Peter Benazic said the council had no intention to declare Darcie as a dangerous dog.
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“Council has received multiple reports alleging multiple offences under Section 29 of the Act, and confirms it is thoroughly and appropriately investigating these allegations,” Mr Benazic said.
“As part of the investigation, council inspected the property, at which time council did not see the dog.”
“To facilitate a thorough investigation of the reports received, council has powers under the Act to seize the dog, which would enable council officers to photograph Darcie for evidentiary purposes. Council has no intention to impound and hold Darcie.”