Michael Triance, partner Susan Richards and daughter Mica with greyhound Lucky. Picture: Meagan Trotter.By Paul Dunlop
GREYHOUNDS at Garfield have angered residents, but the dog owner at the centre of the controversy claims that the complaints are all bark and no bite.
Michael Triance recently won the latest of a series of battles with neighbours when he was permitted by Cardinia Shire Council to keep up to 20 greyhounds at his property in Thirteen Mile Road.
Residents opposing the move had claimed the potential noise of so many dogs would disturb their peace and quiet in the rural area.
They also feared Mr Triance’s operation could ‘open the door’ to other breeders.
Council received 26 objections but voted four to two in favour of Mr Triance’s application.
Council’s decision formalises an operation said to have previously been operating illegally.
Siberian huskies had been kept on the property for several years, but Mr Triance said he was not aware the former owners’ permit would expire when he and partner Susan Richards took over the property more than a year ago.
The issue has been back and forth before council and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Mr Triance said council’s latest support for a permit, which comes with a long list of conditions, vindicated his stance that criticisms of the operation were not based on fact.
“My dogs are subject to higher security than lions and tigers at the zoo,” he said.
“I have gone to great lengths to ensure I comply with the regulations.
“The claims people are making about noise are not true.”
Objectors were highly disappointed with the council’s decision but one resident at the meeting did not wish to comment to the Gazette for fear her views would be “misrepresented”.
The issue prompted a heated debate around the table at council’s town planning meeting on 1 August.
Bunyip ward councillor Helen Ward, who led support for Mr Triance’s application, attracted criticism from colleagues when she said she had “serious concerns” about the legitimacy of some of the objections.
Crs Kate Lempriere and Bill Ronald both took Cr Ward to task over her assertions.
Cr Lempriere said she believed her colleague was being “damn rude”.
Cr Ronald said Cr Ward had no right to question an objector’s legitimacy, credibility or integrity.
“It’s an absolute disgrace,” he said.
Objectors at the meeting later described Cr Wards’ comments as nonsense.
Cr Ward said she was entitled to express her opinion.
Cr Doug Hamilton acknowledged that noise was a major issue of concern but believed conditions on the permit would successfully address potential problems.
Cr Lempriere was not convinced, saying she felt sorry for the people living close to Mr Triance’s property.
“There will still be a lot of noise,” Cr Lempriere said.
Conditions placed on the permit include restrictions on feeding and exercise times, a requirement to sound proof kennels, and protective screenings.
Mr Triance said every care was taken to ensure his dogs were happy, well looked after and well behaved.
Voting in favour of the application were mayor Garry Runge and councillors Helen Ward, Graeme Legge and Doug Hamilton.
Crs Kate Lempriere and Bill Ronald voted against.
Cr Leonora Cox was an apology at the meeting.
