Dogs Seized, Owner Distraught

A local animal rescue operator is distraught following a series of events that led to Council seizing two of her dogs.

Christina Della Valle, the owner of Animal Rescue Whitsundays, was on holiday in Switzerland over the Christmas period when three of her dogs escaped and allegedly attacked cattle on the neighbouring farm.

A friend had been caring for her animals in her absence and had accidentally left the gate open while he escorted one of her other pets to the vet.

Subsequently, the three dogs were declared ‘dangerous’ by Council and following an unsuccessful compliance inspection last week, a search warrant was enforced and Seizure Notice issued.

The incident took place on Christina’s 107-hectare rural property which was sheltering three cats, six dogs, three horses, two goats and some cattle.

While Christina says she does not question the events on that fateful day, she adamantly disagrees that her dogs are dangerous.

“The reason my dogs did what they did is not that they are dangerous,” she said.

“It was because I was away, they were confused, nervous and distracted.”

Christina says that she paid for the treatment of the cattle immediately and believed that to rectify the situation.

By comparison, in a separate incident where a neighbouring dog attacked one of her geese – there was no Council involvement – and the matter was sorted between the residents.

“At no point was anyone at risk or was there any threat to the community,” she said.

“My dogs never go out, I have now taken appropriate measures to ensure they never do again and can promise such an incident will never occur again.”

Director of Community Services, Julie Wright, said that Council has strict procedures that they need to adhere to.

“On 2 February 2023, two Council Local Law Officers again visited the property to conduct a compliance inspection and were unable to gain access to the property due to a locked gate,” she said.

“Councils Authorised Senior Local Law Officer then had a telephone conversation with the property’s responsible person and requested access to the property to conduct a compliance inspection and discuss the alleged contravention of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 section 67 Prohibition on the supply of declared dangerous dogs or menacing dog.

“It was Council Officer's belief that the subject declared dangerous dogs would offend in a similar nature again and require seizure by Council.”

Feeling scared and vulnerable, Christina responded with anger, and in desperation informed the law officers that she had ‘shot’ the dogs but was subsequently unable and unwilling to provide evidence to support her claims.

She then refused entry to her property which prompted the search warrant that led to the seizure of her two dogs.

It has been over a week since Christina has seen her two dogs and she is very concerned for their welfare.

The only comment Council could give in regard to their return was that the matter is being dealt with through the legal process.

“In the four years that I have been operating Animal Rescue Whitsunday I have saved 200 dogs and over 300 cats,” said Christina.

“They have no problem sending me the animals that need shelter, I always try to do the right thing – this was a one-off incident, everyone makes a mistake – I just want the dogs back.”

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Christina Della Valle is pleading with Council to give her dogs back. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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