Wyndham council is likely to drop 13 of the 14 charges against a Sunshine West man accused of operating an illegal puppy farm at Little River.
Anthony Sammut, 73, was charged in October last year with 14 offences after council officers investigated a series of complaints about the farm on Old Melbourne Road.
Sammut was charged with conducting a domestic animal business that was not registered with the council.
He also faced one charge of conducting a domestic animal business that does not comply with the code of practice under section 59 of the Domestic Animals Act, five charges of failing to register a dog, four charges of failing to provide an animal with proper and sufficient drink, two charges of failing to provide veterinary attention and one charge of failing to provide an animal with proper and sufficient food.
Werribee Magistrates Court heard on Monday that the council was prepared to drop 13 of the charges if Sammut pleaded guilty to the lead charge of conducting a domestic animal business that was not registered with the council.
Sammut did not appear in court, but the court heard that he would plead guilty to the charge.
The case was adjourned until May 18.
Speaking outside the court, council lawyer Basil Stafford said the main priority had been shutting down the property.
“The most important animal welfare outcome by far is the closure of the farm. It is effectively shut down now. Council has done an aerial inspection and most of the farm has gone,” he said.
“If he pleads guilty to the lead charge, the ancillary charges will be dropped.”
