Geelong council’s planning committee has refused a local dog breeder’s application to breed up to five dogs at a residential address in Clifton Springs.
Helen Whiteside had applied for a permit to keep and breed up to five dogs at 36 Kanyanya Avenue, Clifton Springs, which is within a General Residential Zone 1.
Ms Whiteside has been running a small dog breeding business in the township for the past 15 years, with her domestic animal business permit for her current breeding site at 142 Bay Shore Road expiring on April 9 and recently refused for renewal by the council.
At an emotion-charged meeting last week the planning committee heard angry claims from residents about noise, dog conditions and environmental and health concerns around dog waste.
Supporters for Ms Whiteside highlighted her professionalism and care for her animals and the benefits her business brought to the community and individuals.
Councillors noted they were concerned purely with the planning aspects of the permit.
“This is not about character, this is not about perceptions that the welfare of the dogs is not being maintained… it is a question about planning,” Cr Emma Sinclair said.
“Some of those issued raised around noise in relation to the appropriateness of use in a residential area is something we need to seriously consider.”
Planning Committee chair Cr Andrew Katos said the proposed application “had the potential to create further conflict in the neighbourhood”.
“The acoustic report and the domestic animal management plan don’t provide confidence that the risk of loud noises from the dogs could be well managed and wouldn’t affect the area’s amenity,” he said.
Matt Hewson
