By NICOLE WILLIAMS
CARDINIA Shire Council is investigating a claim that a councillor is letting his cows wander onto the road.
The Gazette was contacted by a nearby resident, who did not want to be named, alleging Councillor David Young, who was also the former president of the Cardinia branch of the Victorian Farmers Federation, was irresponsible with his livestock.
Last Tuesday, the resident was inundated with well-meaning passers-by who were concerned with a dozen calves on Cardinia Road.
“Our road hasn’t stopped today, and I’ve spent most of the day out the front saying these are not my cows,” the resident said last Tuesday.
“It has been an issue before. It has been happening over the years.”
The resident said they were at their wits end and rang Cardinia Council to have the cows impounded, but was left with the impression from the council officer that no action would be taken.
An officer never attended to inspect the situation and the cows remain the property of Cr Young.
“It is pretty slack of council not to send someone,” they said.
“I would hate to see the cows or calves get hit, but it is not fair that because of his incompetence or neglect that the livelihood of an animal is at stake.”
Cardinia Shire Council’s governance manager Doug Evans said councillors were given no special consideration.
“Council cannot comment on individual cases. However, Cardinia Shire councillors must obey local laws like everybody else in the community, and are given no special consideration,” he said.
“Council is investigating this matter and will take appropriate action as necessary. “
In the past, the resident has also been woken in the middle of the night to cows, calves and a bull on their property, which belonged to Cr Young.
Cr Young said he was aware some calves got out last week, but his fence was removed without his knowledge.
“Melbourne Water did some work and I didn’t realise they had removed some of the fence. I moved them and I will be fixing it up,” he said.
“I wouldn’t know how long they were out, but as soon as I realised I got them in.”
Cr Young also said it was a common issue for someone working with livestock.
“When you have livestock, some get on the road occasionally,” he said.
Mr Evans said that due to the rural nature of the shire if often dealt with wandering livestock, and it was an offence to livestock to be uncontained.
“Uncontained livestock can cause serious injuries to people, especially motorists, as well as damage to private property,” he said.
“Owners are responsible for ensuring their livestock do not stray, and that fencing around their property is secure.”
A fine of $200 can be imposed on the owner or if the owner of the livestock cannot be determined, the stock will be impounded.
Residents can report wandering livestock to council by calling 1300 787 624.
