Birds, Domestic Fowl and Livestock

Some native birds, such as the sulphur crested cockatoo, may be kept as pets without the need for a permit, others are totally protected or may only be obtained from a licensed dealer or permit holder.

The Local Government Act 1993 allows local councils to make by-laws to regulate health and environmental services. Some councils have by-laws which regulate the keeping of poultry and other animals. It is recommended that you check with your local council to find out if there are any restrictions on keeping poultry and other livestock in a suburban setting.

For example, the Hobart City Council Health and Environment Services By-Law 2008 at by-law 23, provides that:

• A person must not keep any poultry within six (6) metres of any dwelling-house, or within one (1) metre of any fence line or boundary, or allow any poultry to have access to any area within six (6) metres of a dwelling-house except if the sale of live poultry is part of the usual business of any shop and the poultry is in properly maintained cages.
• A rooster cannot be kept within 300 metres of a neighbouring dwelling without the written approval of the occupants of that neighbouring dwelling. By-law 20 also provides that approval in writing from the General Manger is required before a person is allowed to keep any horse, pig or any other livestock in a stable, sty lot, paddock or secure premises.

The Local Government Act at section 194 gives a local council the authority to impound stray animals and to sell, give away or destroy an impounded animal.