Poultry, pigeons and other animals
Poultry, pigeons and other animals

Poultry, pigeons and other animals

Poultry, pigeons and other animals

Queries relating to keeping pigeons, poultry and other animals.
Last updated on: 07 June 2023
In this article

Poultry restrictions

Poultry includes fowls, peafowls, turkeys, ducks and other domestic fowl.

How much poultry can be kept?

In a residential zone an owner or occupier must not keep or permit to be kept on the premises more than six poultry.

What are the requirements for keeping poultry?

A person who keeps poultry or permits poultry to be kept must ensure that:
  • all poultry are kept in a properly constructed poultry coop, except where poultry are freed for exercise
  • no poultry are to be kept less than five metres from an opening to a dwelling house on any other lot
  • no poultry are to be kept less than one metre from a side or rear boundary
  • no poultry are to be kept within six metres of a street, public building, commercial premises or food business
  • the premises is to be keep free from excrement, filth, food waste and all other matter that is likely to become offensive.

Roosters

Roosters cannot be kept in any residential zone.

How many pigeons can be kept?

In a residential zone an owner or occupier must not keep or permit to be kept more than 20 pigeons on the premises.

What are the requirements for keeping pigeons?

A person who keeps pigeons or permits pigeons to be kept must ensure that:
  • all pigeons are kept in a properly constructed pigeon loft, except where pigeons are freed for exercise
  • no opening to a pigeon loft, including openings for ventilation, is within six metres of a dwelling house on any other lot
  • no pigeons are to be kept less than one metre from a side or rear boundary
  • no opening to a pigeon loft, including an opening for ventilation, is within six metres of a street, public building, commercial premises or food business.

Aviary birds

A person who keeps aviary birds or permits aviary birds to be kept must ensure that:
  • the aviary or cage in which the birds are kept is located at least one metre from any lot boundary and at least six metres from a dwelling house on any other lot.
  • in addition to these setback requirements, noise from the birds must comply with the assigned noise levels, as stated within the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 and the noise must not be considered as unreasonable.

Noise considerations

When deciding to keep birds, it is important to consider the type of bird and how much noise they produce. Bird noise must comply with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 (available via the Western Australian Legislation website www.legislation.wa.gov.au). In some instances, residents have had to remove particular birds when the noise they have produced has adversely impacted neighbours. To minimise noise, it's important that birds are kept as far away from neighbours as possible.

Large animals

Large animals include alpacas, cows, horses, sheep, goats, deer, camels, lamas, emus, ostriches and kangaroos. It does not include pigs.

Requirements for keeping large animals

  • A person must not keep a large animal on any land unless the land is in a rural zone or rural residential zone. The animal must be kept in accordance with the provisions of any local planning scheme applicable to that zone.
  • Have a zoned residential with a density code of R2.5 under a local planning scheme (these are the X-Kennel Zone lots in Canning Vale) and the animal is kept in accordance with the provisions of any local planning scheme applicable to that zone.
  • An owner or occupier of premises must not permit a large animal to approach or remain within 10 metres of a dwelling house.

Exemption application process (available in relation to poultry, pigeons and large animals)

In certain circumstances, the general restrictions imposed by Local Laws relating to keeping pigeons, poultry and large animals can be varied to the benefit of responsible owners without causing a nuisance to neighbours or creating a health risk. Certain discretionary and exemption provisions are contained within the City's Local Laws where subject to an exemption (an approval) the number of birds kept, or the setback requirements can be varied.
An application for exemption must include the following:
  • a statement outlining the reasons why an exemption is sought
  • number of birds proposed to be kept
  • a site plan showing lot size, location of enclosure and the distance of the enclosure from any boundaries and buildings on adjoining lots
  • proof of membership of a poultry or pigeon club (if applicable)
  • an application fee of $66 is payable.
The City may give notice of the application to any owner or occupier of adjoining properties who are likely to be affected by the granting of the exemption, including a statement that submissions may be made to the local government by a specified day (being a day not less than 14 days from the day on which the notice is given to the person). To request an application form please contact the City on 1300 422 664.

Miniature pig

A miniature pig Is a pig that does not exceed 700mm in height and does not exceed 100 kilograms in weight as an adult.

Requirements for keeping miniature pigs

  • Pigs, other than a miniature pig cannot be kept on any land within the City.
  • A person must apply to the City, to keep one miniature pig on their land.
  • The pig must be sterilised.
  • The owner must retain written proof of its sterilisation.
  • The owner must ensure that the pig does not cause a nuisance.
  • The owner must maintain documentary evidence that the pig's veterinary treatment against leptospirosis, erysipelas, roundworm and tapeworm is current.

How does a person apply to keep a miniature pig?

Please write to the City, seeking permission and provide details of the miniature pig (confirmed breed, size, weight and how it is intended to be kept; along with proof of sterilisation and vaccination).
For further information, please contact the City's Public Health and Amenity team on 1300 422 664.

Issues with neighbours

  • People are sometimes unaware that their activities are causing a problem.
  • The City encourages all residents and business operators to talk to their neighbours about any issues before making a complaint.
  • For supporting information on resolving disputes with neighbours please click here

Anonymous requests

  • This type of request cannot be anonymous.
  • Contact details are required when lodging this issue to ensure a proper investigation can be completed. It also provides the City with the ability to clarify information to ensure that officers have a safe working environment.
  • Personal information is not disclosed to any person without consent.

Raise a request

  • To report an issue with poultry, pigeons and other animals please click on the button below.
  • An Officer will action a request within five (5) working days. This includes contacting you to clarify the nature of the complaint, checking on any possible safety risks for City staff and explaining the complaint process.
  • Your contact details are required when lodging this issue to ensure a proper investigation can be completed.
  • Please note, if the issue relates to dogs or cats, refer to the main Issue & Request page for assistance or call the City on 1300 4 CANNING (1300 422 664).