Unfair treatment from council's animal management officers

"This story has just become more ludicrous."

Toowoomba City Hall Photo Bev Lacey / The Chronicle. Picture: Bev Lacey

ON July 6, I received a notice in the mail from TRC Animal Management stating they had an animal matter they would like to discuss. 

When I rang TRC and spoke to Animal Management on July 10, I was informed that a dog of similar description to mine had been roaming the streets and approaching people. 

I informed the case manager that it could not be my dog and they were more than welcome to come and inspect the property. An appointment was organised for 9am on July 15. 

I waited and continued to wait until 11am when the case manager rang and apologised that they had just completely forgot to come out. 

We organised for them to come out immediately and inspect my property. Upon inspection and discussion, it was clear my dog was not roaming the streets. 

One would think the case is now closed. But no, not for Toowoomba Regional Council. Somehow my dog's registration had lapsed for the 2019/20 year and I was given a $266 infringement notice. 

I explained that at the time I was having some health issues and was on a payment plan to clear the arrears for council rates, water, and dog registration. 

Something must have gone astray because the TRC call centre confirmed that I had cleared my debit on November 3, 2019, with no mention of an outstanding dog registration.

I wish I could say "that is all folks", but this story just becomes more ludicrous. 

Now Animal Management has a problem with my chickens in the backyard and issued me with a compliance notice because the chicken pen is not two meters from the boundary fence. 

My block is just over 1000m2 with the chickens in a nice large pen built by my recently deceased father, who owned the chickens. 

They are well feed, watered and loved by my children they also help them with the grieving process for their late grandfather. 

The chickens are over five years old and I except them to pass any day with no intention of replacing them or altering my father's handy work within the chicken pen. 

The department had no compassion towards myself, my children, or the fact that my father built this chicken pen and I was reluctant to pull it down as it was a labour of love for my father. 

My dog was originally accused of something she did not commit, and the draconian governance of Toowoomba Regional Council has seen to it that I pay a penalty in other forms. 

No person or property has been damaged, violated or poorly treated by my hands, actions, or the actions of my animals. This cannot be said for the actions, policies, and procedures of Toowoomba Regional Council, this is not a governance for the people, this is better known as a legalised mafia.

PHIL SZABO, Toowoomba

Originally published as Unfair treatment from council's animal management officers