RESPONSIBLE pet owners in Melton are being slugged unfair registration costs, according to the manager of an animal rescue service.
But Melton Council has defended its fees, saying the fee for unsterilised animals, in particular, were increased to promote responsible pet ownership
Speaking after a flurry of animal management concerns were raised via social media, Western Suburbs Animal Rescue Service manager Nathan Miles claimed Melton residents were getting a raw deal.
“[The costs are] higher overall than all the councils we border. And in return we get fewer animal management services … Wyndham, Hume and Brimbank collect stray cats and Melton refuses to.”
Mr Miles said other councils provided a pound that was open in business hours on weekdays and weekends, or they allowed residents to access their animals via the Lost Dogs’ Home.
“Brimbank and Hume councils are under the Lost Dogs’ Home, so residents can access their pound seven days a week except Sundays, when the Lost Dogs’ Home is open until 1pm. That’s more than our pound is open on weekdays.”
Mr Miles said registration of a sterilised dog in Melton cost $32 – $17.60 more than in Wyndham. A sterilised cat in Melton costs $17 ($2.60 more than Wyndham). Fees for animal owners who are pensioners are also higher.
But Melton Council’s compliance manager, Ian Stewart, said the fee for unsterilised animals had increased to promote responsible pet ownership.
“Council has increased all fees in line with the consumer price index,” he said.
“Council believes that the cost to register an animal is not excessive for the responsible pet owner, costing less than a dollar a week.”
Deputy mayor Cr Broden Borg met a number of residents following concerns raised online about the pound’s operating conditions.
Mr Miles attended the meeting and said that while it was productive, many people still had serious concerns.
“Council staff still believes that the [pound] service they provide is good,” he said, “which I disagree strongly with.”
Mr Stewart said a new animal management community liaison committee would give feedback to the council after reviewing local services.
“We believe the hours of the pound meet needs. Residents can also make appointments outside opening hours in some circumstances.”
