Keeping birds, livestock and other animals

Poultry are becoming increasingly popular pet choices!

There are some simple requirements to keeping hens, ducks, geese, turkeys and peahens. 

A permit is required if you wish to have more than the allowable number.

Mackay Regional Council doesn’t permit the keeping of roosters in residential areas (areas less than 4000m²).

Requirements:

• the bird is kept without nuisance
• the bird is contained within an enclosed cage or aviary
• bird food is kept in a properly sealed, vermin proof container
• the cage or aviary in which the bird is kept is thoroughly cleaned at least once a week
• if a code of practice is applied for the keeping of the bird,  the bird is kept in accordance with the code
• the cage or aviary in which the bird is kept is not located within 10 metres of a residence on adjoining premises or a place where food is kept, processed or stored or six metres from any road or one metre from the boundary of the premises
• the enclosure is located at the rear of, and behind, any residence situated on the premises

Problem behaviours

Noisy bird/s

Talk to your neighbour as soon as the problem arises. They may not be aware that their bird is making noise or that it is bothering you.

If you are uncomfortable addressing your neighbour directly, a template of a letter you can complete can be found here.(DOCX, 13KB)

Give your neighbour time to address the issue. If the noise persists, then we encourage you to complete the Noisy Bird Survey.(PDF, 1MB)

Council require documented evidence of nuisance instances to be collected before the issue can be escalated. This allows Local Laws Officers to better identify the cause of the nuisance, which in turn helps them to better assist owners when resolving the issue.

The survey must be formally lodged – it cannot be anonymous. This is a requirement as the document supports any escalation action.

There is different allowable bird limits based on species. For each species, the limit is for an allotment with an area of less than 4000m².

If you wish to keep more than these numbers, you will need to seek approval.

Bird owners must ensure that the area available to their animals is appropriate so they are comfortable.

Requirements

• the bird is kept without nuisance
• the bird is contained within an enclosed cage or aviary
• bird food is kept in a properly sealed, vermin proof container
• the cage or aviary in which the bird is kept is thoroughly cleaned at least once a week
• if a code of practice is applied for the keeping of the bird,  the bird is kept in accordance with the code
• the cage or aviary in which the bird is kept is not located within 10 metres of a residence on adjoining premises or a place where food is kept, processed or stored and six metres from any road or one metre from the boundary of the premises on which the bird is kept
• the enclosure is not located within one metre from the side or rear boundaries of the premises

You must also ensure:

• waste water from enclosures is drained appropriately
• run-off is kept off adjoining premises
• excreta, food scraps and other material that is likely to become offensive is collected daily and immediately removed from the premises (if not removed immediately, must be kept in a waste container approved by an authorised person)
• any enclosure in which the animal is kept is properly maintained in a clean and sanitary condition
• take all reasonable steps to prevent the animal from making a noise or disturbance to occupiers of ajoining premises
• the area available to the animal is appropriately sized so that the animal is comfortable.

Problem behaviours

Noisy bird/s

Talk to your neighbour as soon as the problem arises. They may not be aware that their bird is making noise or that it is bothering you.

If you are uncomfortable addressing your neighbour directly, a template of a letter you can complete can be found here.(DOCX, 13KB)

Give your neighbour time to address the issue. If the noise persists, then we encourage you to complete the Noisy Bird Survey.(PDF, 1MB)

Council require documented evidence of nuisance instances to be collected before the issue can be escalated. This allows Local Laws Officers to better identify the cause of the nuisance, which in turn helps them to better assist owners when resolving the issue.

The survey must be formally lodged – it cannot be anonymous. This is a requirement as the document supports any escalation action.

Horses can be great companion and therapy animals and it’s important they have adequate space.  A lot size of at least 4000m² is required to keep a horse.

To ensure the health and welfare of your horse and reduce any negative impact on neighbours, there’s a few simple guidelines:

• All feed is to be stored in a vermin-proof manner
• Keeping of the horse must not cause a noise, odour or fly nuisance
• The owner must also take all reasonable measurers to isolate grazing behaviours so they don’t impact neighbouring properties

If wish to build stables, planning approval is required.

All livestock must be confined to the owner’s property at all times and are not permitted to roam.

Wandering livestock

If you find wandering livestock on your property, please check with your neighbours to determine if it’s theirs.  If an owner can’t be determined, secure the animal where possible and contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) with a description of the animal (colours and markings) and your location.

If livestock comes into the care of council, the owner will be charged a fee prior to release from the holding yard. If the livestock are not claimed by an owner, it may result in the animals being offered for sale.

Injured livestock

If you come across sick or injured livestock, please contact the RSPCA. If the animal is deceased on council land, call council to arrange collection of the carcase.