Harry v Inner West Council (No 3) [2024] NSWSC 1027

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Harry v Inner West Council (No 3) [2024] NSWSC 1027 Hearing dates: 14 August 2024 Date of orders: 16 August 2024 Decision date: 16 August 2024 Jurisdiction: Common Law Before: Basten AJ Decision: (1) Extend the time for filing a summons seeking judicial review up to and including 27 March 2024. (2) Dismiss the amended summons filed on 27 March 2024. (3) Order that the plaintiff pay the defendant's costs in this Court. Catchwords: ANIMALS – companion animals – dogs – menacing dog declaration made by authorised officer - validity ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – judicial review of menacing dog declaration – irrelevant considerations – owner's involvement in prior dog attacks –dog's prior history of attacks – no express limitation on matters to be considered – subject-matter, scope and purpose of legislation – no implied limitation on addressing matters complained of CIVIL PROCEDURE – judicial review – commencing proceeding – extension of time –10 months extension required – merit of claim – no prejudice to public or defendant – evidence of psychological disability Legislation Cited: Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW), ss 3A, 11, 13, 16, 23, 33, 33A, 35, 36, 41, 47, 51, Pt 9, ss 79, 80, 83, 83C Companion Animals Regulation 2018 (NSW), cll 30, 31, Pt 6 Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990 (NSW), s 32 Supreme Court Act 1970 (NSW), s 69 Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW), rr 59.4, 59.10 Cases Cited: Ainsworth v Criminal Justice Commission (1992) 175 CLR 564; [1992] HCA 10 Australian Communications and Media Authority v Today FM (Sydney) Pty Ltd (2015) 255 CLR 352; [2015] HCA 7 Lo v Chief Commissioner of State Revenue (2013) 85 NSWLR 86; [2013] NSWCA 180 Minister for Aboriginal Affairs v Peko-Wallsend Ltd (1986) 162 CLR 24; [1986] HCA 40 Public Service Board of New South Wales v Osmond (1986) 159 CLR 656; [1986] HCA 7 Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission (NSW) v Browning (1947) 74 CLR 492; [1947] HCA 21 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Tertia Lavinia Carmen Harry (Plaintiff) (unrepresented) Inner West Council (Defendant) Representation: Counsel: M Harker (Defendant)