Almost 70 of Fiona McCoy’s dogs are currently held by the RSPCA after being confiscated in Ballarat early last year. 

The Ballarat breeder, now residing in Mia Mia, stated in her application to the City of Greater Bendigo the facilities would be used to “rehabilitate and house working dogs”.

Ms McCoy is one of two breeders facing 40 criminal charges for alleged offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. 

The application states most of the dogs will return to working homes once rehabilitated while a few may remain on the property for ongoing training.

“After a long period of confinement in a non-working environment these dogs will have lost physical muscle mass and stamina that is required to work with sheep, cattle and goats,” the application states.

“Dogs will need re-educating to correct bad habits that have formed while confined for long periods of time.”

In a court hearing last week, separate to the case involving the 40 animal cruelty charges, a court ordered McCoy and the other co-accused reimburse the RSPCA more than $20,000 per month for the ongoing care of the dogs. 

The pair have 66 dogs currently in the care of the RSPCA.

McCoy and the co-accused must make their first payment on August 1 or the dogs can be re-housed, sold, retained or transferred by RSPCA Victoria.

The City of Greater Bendigo said it considers planning applications on planning grounds only, however it does consult with other relevant departments in the organisation. 

RSPCA Victoria Acting Chief Operating Officer Tegan McPherson said the organisation was aware of the application but could not comment further due to ongoing legal proceedings. 

The current application is yet to be decided upon and has thus far received no public objections. 

The pair will front court in Ballarat on August 29, when their criminal charges hearing will continue.