A dog walker has clapped back at a council for unfairly targeting him in a grab for money after he was fined for walking too many dogs in an off-leash area.
Watch Pets owner Ron Buch was fined $960 by Melbournes City of Port Phillip after walking 10 dogs off-leash near the St Kilda promenade in December last year.
The frustrated dog walker claimed hed noticed council cracking down on his profession over the last two years.
The matter was taken to Melbourne Magistrates Court where Mr Buchs company pleaded guilty to walking too many dogs without a permit.
Ive been walking dogs for over 20 years and never had an issue, Mr Buch told the Herald Sun outside court.
Mr Buch claimed other dog walking companies were targeted by the council and closed down due to financial issues.
Dog walkers in the Port Phillip council area are required to hold a permit if they walk more than seven dogs at once.
Mr Buch had the permit but broke its condition that the dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, even in off-leash areas.
Ron Buch (pictured) of Watchpets was fined $960 for walking 10 off-leash dogs in an off-leash permitted area
City of Port Phillip mayor Heather Cunsolo said Mr Buch was caught with the 10 dogs off-leash in an off-leash area.
We implemented the permit last year after community members expressed concerns about the ability of commercial dog walkers to control large numbers of dogs in public spaces, including off-leash areas, Ms Cunsolo said.
The City of Port Phillip area is patrolled daily by council workers to ensure dog walkers and other permit holders are following the enforced rules.
Ms Cunsolo said the patrols ensure the spaces remain safe, clean and enjoyable.
She added council workers do not specifically target particular categories of dog walkers and businesses and individuals are both held to the councils rules.
Mr Buch was originally fined $960 by the council but the City of Port Phillip prosecutor sought costs of $1,200 when Mr Buch took it to court.
The Melbourne Magistrates Court reduced the fine to $200 and ordered Mr Buch to pay it as well as $150 in costs.
The Melbourne Magistrates Court ordered Mr Buch to pay $350 after hearing his permit only allowed him to walk up to seven off-leash dogs, even in off-leash areas
Mr Buch claimed he was confused about the conditions of his permit and believed the dogs were allowed to run off-leash in off-leash areas.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted City of Port Phillip and Mr Buch for comment.