The City of Cockburn has proposed new limits on the number of poultry residents can keep in their backyards, sparking debate among chicken owners. The proposed local law on keeping animals, currently open for public comment, would replace existing regulations and set specific caps based on property size.
Under the proposal, lots up to 600 square meters could keep up to four poultry, while properties between 601 and 800 square meters could have up to six. Larger lots of 801 to 1000 square meters would allow up to 10 poultry, including a maximum of two ducks. For lots between 1001 and 5000 square meters, the limit would be 15 poultry, and properties over 5000 square meters could keep up to 30, including ducks. The current law allows a maximum of 12 poultry on residential properties.
South Lake resident Travis Batista questioned the new limits at the council's February 10 meeting, asking what residents with more poultry than the new limits would be expected to do. City director Daniel Arndt said existing permit holders would not be affected, and others could apply for a permit to exceed the maximum. He noted the proposed law offers greater flexibility by easing location restrictions, such as removing the current requirement for poultry to be kept at least nine meters from a dwelling.
The proposal also bans roosters, geese, turkeys, peafowls, and other potentially nuisance poultry in residential zones. It removes prescriptive requirements for enclosure construction and size. For comparison, the City of Canning allows up to six poultry, while Fremantle and Melville permit up to 12.
