By CASEY NEILL
VU HO says he won’t give up fighting to keep Baa the sheep at his Springvale home, but the council says its eviction order is for the pet’s own good.
City of Greater Dandenong mayor Angela Long said Baa’s plight first came to the council’s attention in 2007 following “complaints from neighbours and other residents regarding the welfare of the sheep”.
Two years ago it fined Mr Ho $225 and ordered him to remove the sheep from his property because local laws prohibit livestock on less than half an acre.
But the Vietnamese refugee has since fought through the courts to keep his pet of 12 years.
On 26 June the Court of Appeal again upheld the council’s decision and ordered Mr Ho to pay the legal costs association with the actions to date, said to now top $200,000.
Cr Long said ratepayers should not bear the cost of responding to an “entirely unnecessary and unwarranted” court matter.
“Council did not initiate any legal action, we have simply responded to community concern about a sheep, issued a compliance notice, and issued a fine which was subsequently withdrawn,” she said.
Mr Ho said he planned to appeal again despite the mounting debt, this time to the High Court.
“Council has shown its concern for Baa the sheep and for Mr Ho’s future welfare through offering on numerous occasions to help find a suitable location for Baa the sheep, and suggesting other actions which would not place Mr Ho’s future in such financial jeopardy,” Cr Long said.
“This offer of assistance was reiterated at this week’s court proceedings.
“Council will continue to seek to get the best outcome for Baa the sheep.”
