Stonnington Councillor Steve Stefanopoulos OAM has strongly defended the council and his fellow councillors during a heated meeting on Monday night, May 26, where the City of Stonnington voted to extend its contract with the Save-A-Dog Scheme (SADS) until June 2025.
The decision followed widespread community backlash over a proposal to replace SADS with The Lost Dogs’ Home. More than 100 residents, most supporting SADS, filled Malvern Town Hall and an overflow room, with tensions high throughout the evening.
During the debate, Stefanopoulos rejected accusations that councillors were “animal killers,” responding to community posters and comments that had painted the council as heartless.
“We’re all animal lovers and anyone who says anything other than that is wrong and I dare to come and say it to my face,” he said.
Stefanopoulos acknowledged the emotional weight of the issue but said euthanasia was sometimes necessary.
“I’m sorry, actually I’m not sorry to say this, humans are at the top of the food chain and we … need to be responsible for us,” he stated, prompting jeers from the audience.
He condemned what he called a “relentless campaign” of misinformation, calling it “outrageous, hurtful, unfair and false.”
Despite the backlash, the council voted 5-4 in favour of extending SADS’ contract while a taskforce reviews its effectiveness. The Lost Dogs’ Home will have an opportunity to re-tender next year.
SADS founder Pam Weaver OAM expressed gratitude for the public’s support, saying she was “incredibly proud” of the community’s compassion.
Mayor Melina Sehr acknowledged the strong community views and affirmed the council’s commitment to transparency during the transition period.
Source: The Advertiser.
