A DOG trainer is being kicked out of Carrum Community Hall after more than two decades as a tenant.
Jennifer Wilcox has run Paw Behaviour Dog Training from the hall for more than 20 years. Last month, she says she was abruptly kicked out by Kingston Council. “I have run classes at the hall since around 2001 and in that time have never had a complaint about anything at all. I have tried speaking to the local councillor but he has resigned and council is in caretaker mode due to elections,” Wilcox said. “As one of the only professional dog trainers in the country providing this service to the community, I am absolutely appalled at the lack of consultation or discussion prior to this decision. I cannot even get anyone to call me back from Kingston.”
Among the services provided by Paw Behaviour is training for guide dogs and other service dogs. Despite a petition with more than 1200 signatures protesting the decision, Kingston Council is digging in its heels. Council’s acting community strengthening general manager Kate Waters said “while I can understand the business is disappointed, it is simply not appropriate to co-locate a dog training business inside a community hall that also hosts seniors exercise groups, card groups, first birthday parties, kids’ activities, and other community users.”
“Following a review of our council halls, the business was advised via email and phone discussions that the Carrum Community Hall will no longer be available. We have offered them an extended three-month notice period to find an alternative location. We have also committed to work with them to find a suitable outdoor location at a council venue if they would like to continue using a council space to run their business,” Waters said. “An EOI process for new user groups to co-share the Carrum Community Hall, and a range of other community halls, will open later this month as part of a push to increase use of council facilities.”
Paw Behaviour Dog Training can use the hall until 31 December. Wilcox has defended her business, saying “there are only between four and six puppies inside at any one time. It is important to have this indoor/outdoor venue so the dogs can toilet, and it is important to be accessible because of my clients who have disabilities and need training for service dogs.” “Personally, this is absolutely devastating for me. My tiny business survived Covid and we had some plans for the new year which are now all gone,” she said.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc News – 16 October 2024