Keeping of Animals in Residential Areas
Under Local Law 11 - General, in a house located in a residential area, you are allowed to keep the following animals:
- two dogs
- two cats
- 6 poultry
- 10 pigeons
- 4 rabbits or 4 guinea pigs
In a house in a residential area, you are NOT allowed (unless permit granted) to keep:
- cockatoos and large parrots
- farm animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, deer etc.
- ducks
- roosters
- turkey or geese
In a flat/unit in a residential area, you are allowed to keep only one dog and one cat.
Please note that in a rural area there are no restrictions for the keeping of animals unless there are five or more dogs. In this case a Town Planning Permit may be required.
If you want to keep MORE than the number of pets allowed you will need to apply for an animal permit.
Animal Permits
A one off fee of $150 is required to apply for an animal permit. This fee is partially refunded if the permit is rejected. This payment, along with a completed application form (see link below) is needed to begin the process.
Letters are then sent to all adjoining and close neighbours advising an animal permit application has been made. The neighbours will then have two weeks to submit any objections or concerns they may have with the permit. Following these two weeks, a Council Officer will organise to inspect the property for approval.
FAQ
What happens if neighbours object to permit?
Objections to the permit does not necessarily mean the permit will be denied.
What if my permit is denied?
If the permit is denied, the applicant can appeal the outcome in writing within 21 days of the rejection letter.