A farmer, whose puppy has been found wandering in North Dandalup more than 11 times in the space of 10 months, was fined $800 in court on Tuesday.
Michael John Bernard Gillett pleaded guilty to having his blue-heeler-cross, ‘Buster’, in a place without consent, when he appeared in the Mandurah Magistrates Court.
Shire of Murray representative Ron Porter told the court Buster was impounded by rangers after being found in a backyard on Whittakers Road, on May 29, 2018.
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Mr Porter said dog owners were usually given a modified penalty for this offence, but Gillett had “a significant history of allowing the dog to wander”.
Gillett has had to pay fines for eight of the 11 times Buster was found by rangers wandering in North Dandalup, between July 10, 2017 and May 30, 2018.
Gillett told the court he had secured the property so the dog could not escape anymore.
“Buster is well and truly under control,” he said.
He said he had already received “hundreds” in fines for every-time Buster was collected by rangers.
The maximum penalty for having a dog in a place without consent is $5000.
Gillett was fined $800 with $205.30 costs.