Perth Council Proposes New Limits on Backyard Chickens, Sparking Debate
The City of Cockburn in Perth is stirring controversy with a proposed local law that would impose new limits on the number of chickens residents can keep in their backyards. The draft regulations, which cover a range of animals including dogs, cats, miniature cows, pigeons, and bees, have particularly focused on poultry provisions, aiming to clarify rules and reduce approval requirements.
Proposed Poultry Limits and Duck Restrictions
Under the proposed law, the number of poultry allowed would vary based on property size. For lots up to 600 square meters, residents could keep up to four poultry, with no ducks permitted. Lots between 601 and 800 square meters could have up to six poultry, still with no ducks allowed.
Properties from 801 to 1000 square meters could keep 10 poultry, including a maximum of two ducks. For larger lots, the limits increase: 15 poultry for 1001 to 5000 square meters and 30 poultry for properties over 5000 square meters, both including ducks. This marks a change from the current law, which permits a maximum of 12 poultry on residential properties without specific size-based tiers.
Resident Concerns and Council Response
At the Cockburn council meeting on February 10, South Lake resident Travis Batista raised concerns about the proposed limits. He questioned what would happen to residents currently keeping poultry lawfully under the existing law if their numbers exceed the new limits once the law takes effect.
City director of sustainable development and safety, Daniel Arndt, responded that under the proposed law, people could apply for a permit to keep more than the maximum number allowed. He assured that existing permits or approvals would remain valid, stating, "If a person already has a permit or approval issued under the current law, then nothing will change."
Flexibility and Nuisance Prevention
Arndt highlighted that the new law offers greater flexibility in residential zones by easing location restrictions. The current law prohibits poultry within 9 meters of a dwelling, which can be problematic in dense residential areas. The proposed clauses remove requirements related to enclosure construction and size, as the city deems these too prescriptive for local law regulation.
However, the law maintains bans on roosters, geese, turkeys, peafowls, and any other poultry likely to cause a nuisance in residential zones, aiming to prevent disturbances to neighbors.
Comparison with Other Perth Councils
The proposed limits place Cockburn in line with or stricter than some neighboring councils. In the City of Canning, residents in residential areas can have up to only six poultry birds. The City of Fremantle allows up to 12, except in prohibited areas, as does the City of Melville. The Town of East Fremantle permits up to 10 poultry, showing regional variations in backyard farming regulations.
Broader Animal Regulations
Beyond poultry, Cockburn's proposed keeping of animals law requires all catteries and dog kennels to be licensed and specifies parks and reserves where cats are not permitted at any time. This comprehensive approach aims to streamline animal management across the municipality.
The draft law is open for public comment until 4pm on Friday, March 6, giving residents an opportunity to voice their opinions on the changes before finalization.
