SPER has threatened a Mount Isa pensioner with the loss of his driver license after he refused to pay a fine from Council for a dog that isn't his.
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Frank Shuker received a letter from Mount Isa City Council on September 17 stating a Penalty Infringement Notice on his dog for wandering at large would not be withdrawn. Mr Shuker was required to pay the $330 fine.
The original infringement was issued on July 11, 2018 however Mr Shuker does not understand how it came about, as his Jack Russell Trixie has never left the yard.
"Council is trying to sting me to pay for a dog that isn't mine," Mr Shuker said.
"Trixie is 14-years-old, is mostly blind and deaf and hardly leaves the bedroom.
"She has never been out of the yard and Council believes she was locked up in the pound for wandering at large."
Mr Shuker said the details Council provided for the fine did not match his dog and he was wrongly accused.
"Council supplied a microchip number for the unknown dog I have been fined for, and my dog Trixie isn't microchipped," he said.
"I went to the local vets to find out where (the other dog) was registered to and it is in the Northern Territory.
"Council also provided a photo of the dog and it is clearly not a Jack Russell let alone my dog."
Mr Shuker said when he refused to pay the fine, Council forwarded his claim to SPER debt collectors. He then received a notice informing him he would lose his licence if he did not pay the fine.
Mr Shuker contacted the Council who organised a meeting between Mr Shuker and its Compliance and Utilities Services manager on Friday September 20.
"During our meeting Council claimed they had a receipt from when I paid to have my dog released from the pound, but it was my registration receipt," Mr Shuker said.
"I was informed to pay the fine and if there was an issue they could reimburse me later, which I refused.
"Council is obviously trying to bully me into paying it by sending this to SPER and having my license taken off me.
"Council think this is all done and dusted and that it's going to go away because its cheaper to pay the fine then admit they are wrong or fight it in court."
Mr Shuker met with his lawyers on Thursday September 26 to discuss his options further.
Mount Isa City Council spokesperson said "since this matter first arose about a year ago, Mr Shuker has recently provided some details to Council allowing Council to rescind the fine."
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
