Warrnambool Dog Training School pays $650 a year in council fees, but claims it should get more than just lawn mowing on an uneven playing field.

The club’s state trials last month had to be moved to the Friendly Societies Park because of safety concerns about the subsiding ground, which is built on a former rubbish tip.

“We expect better for the money we pay,” said the school’s committee president Donna James.

“We’ve had to pay extra for a private contractor to mow the exercise enclosure because the council hasn’t done that area like we were told it would.

“There was a quote from council for $32,000 to level the surface, but we reckon we could do it a lot cheaper if given permission.

“Ideally we would like to hold all our events at Harris Street as we have done previously — the Friendlies was not suitable.

“If we can’t get a commonsense decision by council we might have to go over its head to the government department.”

The November trials attracted 1200 dog entries and 300 people from across Victoria and interstate.

Another big event is scheduled for March and the club hopes to host a national show.

It has also been hosting community dog obedience sessions on weekends for 24 years.