After an emotional deputation from the owner of the dog involved, Ballina Shire Council has this morning revoked a menacing dog declaration for the kelpie Lilo, which was brought into effect following a bite in July 2022.
The dog’s owner Brad Hughes explained the context of the incident, which he said was very out of character, with the use of a highly restrictive muzzle since that time causing major problems for the dog and her owners.
Council’s ranger says he attended Lilo’s home and conducted an assessment on her behaviour and interactions, following thousands of dollars worth of training conducted by her owners.
He says he is now ‘satisfied that Lilo is well trained and has a warm welcoming nature’, noting ‘Lilo did not jump up through the visit and she allowed [him] to put a hand in her mouth to remove the toy that they were playing with.’
The ranger added, ‘It is evident that the owners have dedicated considerable time to Lilo’s training as she has matured and completed appropriate formal training and behavioural assessment.’
Cr Meehan was the only one to speak against the motion to remove the menacing dog declaration, saying he could see both sides, after having a grandchild attacked by a dog recently.
The motion to remove the menacing dog declaration was passed unanimously.
More stories about Ballina Shire Council:
Say ‘No’ to domestic violence this Sunday, May 5 at 4pm in Ballina and stand in solidarity, honouring those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. Cr Kiri Dicker's motion to push forward with design options for accessible beach access in Lennox Head got the green light from Ballina Council at its latest meeting. After an emotional deputation from the owner of the dog involved, Ballina Shire Council has this morning revoked a menacing dog declaration for the kelpie Lilo, which was brought into effect following a bite in July 2022. This morning Ballina Shire Council will hear a motion from Cr Steve McCarthy to remove the native macaranga tree from the list of approved species for planting by Ballina Council and local community groups. Ballina Shire Council has started preliminary investigation works at Fishery Creek Bridge, on River Street, and Canal Bridge, on Tamarind Drive, as part of their plan to duplicate both bridges.
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Menacing dog declaration revoked
Cr McCarthy versus the macaranga
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