Animal restrictions
The Amenity Local Law 2020 references keeping animals.
This protects the safety of the neighbourhood and the welfare of animals and pets. It covers:
- numbers of animals that can live on a property
- animal housing
- the secure confinement of animals within the area.
Keeping extra animals
An animal permit is needed if you wish to keep:
- more than two dogs
- more than two cats
- more than five ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits or rodents
- more than five large birds
- more than 25 small birds
- more than five poultry.
The maximum number of cats or dogs that you can keep is five in total.
For example, with this permit you could have three dogs and two cats or four cats and one dog. Roosters are no longer granted a permit to live on any land unless permitted under an applicable Act or Planning Scheme.
Permits are valid for the number of animals specified on the permit.
You must renew your permit each year.
Apply to keep extra animals or birds
Further checks and requirements
Your neighbours will be sent a Neighbour Consent Form to complete and return to Council.
A Community Laws Officer may also come to inspect your property.
Conditions for animal permits
When whether to grant a permit, the Council may consider:
- the area of the land
- the zoning of the land
- the reason for the application
- the proximity to adjoining occupiers
- the amenity (facilities) of the area
- the type and number of animals to be kept at the location
- the likely effect on adjoining properties/neighbours
- the adequacy of the proposed accommodation
- any membership by the applicant of any relevant authorised association or organisation
- the age of the animals
- the cleanliness of the area
- any other matter relevant to the circumstances of the application.
Animal definitions
Here are the definitions of animals listed in the Amenity Local Law 2020.
Need help?
Contact us and we will get back to you.
Or call our Community Laws department on 9298 8000.
