text: A Heathmont dog owner has been ordered by the courts to pay $2970.20 after pleading guilty to nine animal-related charges.
  Magistrate Bolster handed down the penalty at Ringwood Magistrates Court on July 8.
  The female defendant pleaded guilty to eight charges of allowing her dog, a Labrador Kelpie cross type, to roam free and rush at people on several occasions during April this year.
  She also pleaded guilty to failing to register the dog.
  The woman was fined an aggregate amount of $1000, and ordered to pay a further $1970.20 in court costs.
  Maroondah Mayor Councillor Alex Makin welcomed the ruling, saying Council would continue to pursue similar cases through the courts if all other avenues had been exhausted.
  “Pet owners must abide by the relevant laws and that includes ensuring their animals are kept under effective control both on and off their property.
  “Taking matters to court is a last resort, but it’s a step Council is willing to take when people have broken the law. Safe and responsible pet ownership is important and it is something Council encourages within Maroondah.”
  – ENDS –