If you are considering keeping domestic animals or already have animals, such as poultry and bees, the following points should be kept in mind:
- locate pens, runs, cages etc as far away as possible from adjoining houses
- if keeping poultry, provide concrete flooring to any roosting/nesting areas
- ensure all roosting/nesting areas are adequately enclosed to provide animals with protection from the weather
- do not overstock the area available for animal keeping
- avoid the temptation to have a rooster or any other animal that generates a lot of noise
- ensure all food storage containers for the animals are vermin and insect proof and kept clean
- do not over feed animals as excessive feed will attract vermin and pests
- regularly change the water in drink containers to avoid mosquito breeding
- all pens, runs, cages etc should be regularly cleaned and maintained
- any table scraps fed to the animals and not eaten within twenty four hours should be removed to help prevent fly and vermin attraction
- spread straw around pens, runs, cages etc to absorb animal droppings and prevent fly breeding; this straw can turn into a great mulch for your garden
- the keeping of poultry, ducks etc on smaller sized allotments should be avoided
- some human diseases are transmitted via animals and so always wash your hands vigorously after attending to your pets
- ALWAYS keep in mind that the animals you keep should not inconvenience your neighbours
If you need clarification or want to discuss in general terms the domestic keeping of animals, please contact Council's Compliance Officer on (08) 8760 1100.