Concerned residents and animal welfare and protection advocates rallied outside Wyong Council chambers on Friday, October 14, to demand urgent action over a commercial dog breeding facility at Palm Grove.
The dog boarding, training and breeding business was approved by the Central Coast Local Planning Panel (LPP) in December, 2020, with a 15-month trial period set.
The Panel said at the time that operations should cease following the trial period until further development consent was given.
With that 15 months now well and truly expired, Animal Liberation has organised the peaceful assembly was held at 1.30pm.
Organisers say the “protracted and questionable nature of the planning assessment” and a “lack of compliance enforcement” has raised the ire of residents.
“Due to the lack of genuine and meaningful response by Central Coast Council, members of the public have no other option than to come together and demand immediate action,” Animal Liberation’s Regional Campaigns Manager, Lisa Ryan, said.
“While Council’s Administrator Rik Hart has been publishing alerts about his ‘community discussions’, he has consistently failed to listen or respond appropriately to residents and opponents of this Palm Grove development.”
Ryan said the LPP ignored a recommendation for refusal from Council, along with community objections.
“Throughout this protracted planning assessment, there has been next to no regard for the welfare of the dogs, the loss of peaceful amenity for the surrounding neighbours, and the potential risks and impacts to the immediate environment,” she said.
Ryan said the situation was exacerbated by the lack of councillor representation, with residents unable to get clear answers on the future of the facility.
Greens NSW MP, Animal Welfare spokesperson and Central Coast resident, Abigail Boyd, who is a member of the NSW Legislative Council’s committee tasked with inquiring into puppy farms, has met with members of the Palm Grove community and will speak at the event.
“The Parliamentary Inquiry into Puppy Farming has shown clearly that the people of NSW do not want to see dogs and puppies intensively farmed for profit, and no one wants these cruel facilities in their community,” she said.
“Puppy farms have no place on the Coast, or anywhere for that matter.
“Dogs are wonderful, loyal companions, not commodities.”
Shadow Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong, David Harris, is unable to attend the protest but has voiced his support.
“I have raised the issue in the NSW Parliament after meeting with residents,” he said.
“I have also forwarded concerns to Council regarding noncompliance with statutory requirements.”
Ryan said a List of Demands outlining the public’s expectations will be presented to Council Administrator Rik Hart at the conclusion of the public gathering.
A Council spokesperson said there are currently no outstanding compliance matters relating to the facility.
“The ongoing use of the site for dog breeding is currently under assessment by Council’s Development Assessment Unit and will be referred to the Local Planning Panel for determination,” the spokesperson said.
“Council is allowing the facility to continue to operate while this development application is under assessment.
“Council’s Administrator does not have a role in either the assessment or determination of development applications.
“The RSPCA is the regulatory authority for matters concerning animal welfare.
“Council understands that the RSPCA has investigated complaints regarding animal welfare at the property and determined that no action is required.”
Sources:
Media release, Oct 12
Animal Liberation
Media statement, Oct 13
Central Coast Council