A tiny pug could be seized by the local council after neighbours accused him of behaving in a threatening way.
Three-year-old ‘Darcie’, from Pakenham, in Victoria, is suspected of ‘rushing’ at a number of people in May this year.
But Darcie’s owners Lauren and Ben Dalton, along with their children Hayley, 14, and Jayden, 11, maintain his innocence.
Cardina Council say they need seize Darcie in order to take photographs of him to see if they match images of the alleged ‘dangerous dog’.
According to the council, the ‘rushes’ occurred twice on May 1, and a third time on May 8.
Three-year-old ‘Darcie’ stands accused of ‘rushing’ at a number of people in May this year and could be seized by the council
But the family explained they have CCTV footage which shows Darcie locked in his outside pen or at the house at the time of each incident.
‘He has never caused incident or trouble to other people or animals.’ Ms Dalton wrote on a Change.org petition.
In the Change.org petition Ms Dalton says a local resident had thrown rocks at her dogs to wind them up.
‘The resident provokes our dogs and teases them. We have even caught them taking videos of our 3 dogs whilst our dogs were secured on our property, resulting in Pakenham police being contacted,’ she said.
‘Council are not interested in any of this information.’
‘We have not received a caution, no infringement notices….BUT…. 3 months later my husband has been informed by email that Council are filing charges relating to multiple offences under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.’
The family also said the council intended to charge them with offences.
According to Ms Dalton a witness has provided the council with a picture apparently showing a dog rushing.
According to the council, the ‘rushes’ occurred twice on May 1, and a third time on May 8
A ‘rush’ is defined a dog approaches a person and displays aggressive behaviour.
But Ms Dalton said: ‘We have seen this photo and there is no indication of the dog being aggressive.’
‘It also does not identify the dog as Darcie, as there is another black pug in the area.
‘Again, Council are leaving out the fact we have CCTV footage of Darcie being on our property at the time of allegations.’
The family are worried that if Darcie is seized it will cause undue stress to their children.
‘We are deeply concerned that if Darcie is wrongfully seized by Cardinia Shire in front of our two young children,’ Ms Dalton wrote.
‘It will leave long-lasting pain, heartache and grief for us all.
‘Darcie also has medical needs that require 24-hour care. He can not be left alone in a pound.’
MP Jeff Bourman posted a video on Facebook where he is holding Darcie, who appears docile.
‘I think you can see that Darcie is not really a threat to anyone,’ he explained, petting the pug.
‘But I think it’s fair to say the Council has gone overboard in this situation and really needs to look at what’s going on if they’re spending their time trying to seize a dog like Darcie for being vicious.’
‘Come on, Cardinia, you’ve really got to get on to this and deal with it a bit more appropriately.’
MP Jeff Bourman (pictured) posted a video on Facebook, holding the calm-looking dog urging the council to be more sensible.
Cardinia Shire Council general manager infrastructure and environment Peter Benazic told the Herald Sun that an investigation was underway.
‘Council has received multiple reports alleging multiple offences under Section 29 of the Act, and confirms it is thoroughly and appropriately investigating these allegations,’ Mr Benazic said.
He also explained that council representatives inspected the property but did not see the dog.
‘To facilitate a thorough investigation of the reports received, council has powers under the Act to seize the dog, which would enable council officers to photograph Darcie for evidentiary purposes.
‘Council has no intention to impound and hold Darcie.’