Keeping Animals

We encourage dog owners to be aware of their basic responsibilities including: 

• Providing the right housing for the breed of dog they own
• Exercising the dog regularly to avoid problems that boredom creates e.g. barking
• Ensure the dog is contained with adequate fencing, not allowing the dog to roam
• Keeping the dog leashed and under effective control in public places
• Being aware of local off-leash and prohibited areas Dog Off-Leash Guide
• Making sure the dog’s waste is picked up in public places
• Understanding that excess barking may cause problems
• Making sure the dog is microchipped and registered
• Being prepared to correct problems so neighbours and the community are safe and happy
• Find out more about Responsible Dog Ownership

Limits on dog ownership

There is no limit to the number of dogs that can be kept as pets, where the keeping of the animals is not intended for a commercial purpose.

Where amenity and animal welfare are affected is when this becomes an issue. 

For further information view:

• Shoalhaven Development Control Plan 2014 Chapter G27

This chapter provides guidance for applicants establishing and/or operating premises for dog breeding and boarding establishments.

Before lodging a development application for an animal boarding or training establishment you are encouraged to contact Council’s Development Services Team for further information.

We encourage cat owners to keep their cat indoors or in an enclosure outside to keep them safe and to protect wildlife. We also encourage cat owners to be make sure their cat is microchipped and registered.

Limits on cat ownership

There is no limit to the number of cats that can be kept as pets, where the keeping of the animals is not intended for a commercial purpose.

Where amenity and animal welfare are affected is when this becomes an issue. 

For further information view:

• Shoalhaven Development Control Plan 2014 Chapter G27

This chapter provides guidance for applicants establishing and/or operating catteries.

Before lodging a development application for an animal boarding or training establishment you are encouraged to contact Council’s Development Services Team for further information.

Poultry includes chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. Chickens must not be a health risk or nuisance and poultry yards must be kept clean and free of offensive odours. It’s important to note:  

• Roosters are not encouraged to be kept in residential areas as they can cause a noise nuisance for neighbours
• If you can no longer keep your poultry or find abandoned poultry, contact Shoalhaven Animal Shelter
• Do not dump poultry on public land

Learn more: 

• Keeping Poultry

For more information contact our Environmental Health Team.

The keeping of birds for pets and/or breeding is a popular activity for many people.

The activity however, can result in public health and nuisance complaints if the aviaries are poorly kept and maintained. Keeping birds can result in offensive odours and the attraction of mice and other vermin if aviaries are not regularly cleaned.

Caged birds should be kept in a manner which does not cause any nuisance to neighbouring properties or result in unhealthy conditions or offensive odours.

Learn more:

• Aviaries & Bird Keeping

For more information contact our Environmental Health Team.

If you are concerned about a bee swarm or for help with information about bees or beekeepers, please contact the Department of Primary Industries.

If the bee swarm is on Council land, please contact Council.

Horses are not recommended to be kept in residential areas. If you are keeping a horse in a residential area there are a number of requirements you need to follow. 

View:

• Keeping Animals in Residential Areas

For more information contact our Environmental Health Team.

• Cattle, sheep, pigs, goats or roosters are all examples of livestock and should not be kept in residential areas
• Your animals should not be able to roam on public land. If livestock roam on public land Ranger Services may be called to investigate
• If your livestock enters your neighbours property it is a civil matter between you and your neighbour
  • Refer to Sections 23 and 24 of Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 for more information