Anita Benn, owner of Leongatha Cattery and Kennels, has been forced to close her business after the South Gippsland Shire Council issued a shutdown order last week. The decision has shocked Benn’s loyal client base and sparked concern in the local community.
Benn, who has operated the business for six years, said she had followed council processes. Two years ago, she applied for and received council approval to expand the facility from 10 to 20 bays. The extension was completed with the proper permits in place.
In December 2024, council officers inspected the site and tested water from a nearby man-made pond. The pond, located within the property, collects runoff from a paddock and a South Gippsland Water drain before flowing into Coal Creek and eventually the Tarwin River. Tests showed contamination in one section of the pond.
“The middle tested positive for contamination,” Benn said. “That could be from birds, ducks, or dogs — any number of things.”
Despite the variety of possible sources, council officers concluded that the contamination was caused by the kennels. They then required Benn to upgrade all plumbing systems and install new tanks with overflow alarms.
Two weeks ago, council officers escalated the matter. They told Benn the pond could potentially contaminate water destined for human use. She was ordered to return all animals to their owners and cancel all future bookings — an impossible task as some pet owners were overseas.
Although the initial building expansion was approved, Benn was later told she needed an additional permit showing plumbing plans — a requirement not previously made clear.
“Council made the mistake, not me,” Benn said. “But I’m the one left paying for it — $200,000 later.”
Benn is willing to meet council demands, but she says poor communication has made it difficult. Neither she nor her plumber is clear on what specific upgrades are needed. Council has also requested changes inside the kennels, some of which, she claims, go beyond industry standards.
With 2,700 clients on the books, news of the shutdown has prompted a wave of support from pet owners. Many reached out offering help, including advance payments for future stays.
“I want to thank the community,” Benn said. “They’re standing by me. One couple even offered to pay upfront for their pet’s Christmas stay to help with the costs.”
Benn is working toward meeting council requirements and hopes to reopen the facility by June 1.
In a statement to the Sentinel-Times, South Gippsland Shire Council confirmed the closure. “Council has issued a Prohibition Notice and an Improvement Notice under the Environment Protection Act 2017 (Vic) following an investigation,” the statement read. “Independent analysis showed wastewater disposal was not functioning effectively and posed a risk to human health and the environment. Council is working with the business owner to resolve the matter as soon as possible.”
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