Other animals

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Poultry

The following guidelines ensure your poultry are kept in the best possible conditions for their comfort and that of your neighbours.

Residents should not keep any poultry (chickens, fowls, geese, turkeys and ducks of any age above 4 weeks) so as to be a nuisance or injurious to health by reason of:

  • The number of birds
  • The noise made by the bird(s)
  • The dust or odour generated by the bird(s)
  • The attraction of flies, rats, mice or other vermin
  • The nature and location of housing facilities for the bird(s)
  • The bird(s) not being adequately contained on the land
  • The bird(s) being allowed to wander or fly from or to land either alone or in numbers
  • Droppings emanating from the bird(s)
  • For any other justifiable reason.

The bird(s) shelter should be of solid construction, readily cleanable, have a solid impervious floor, and constructed in an area that is:

  • Away from neighbouring dwellings used principally for human habitation
  • Not forward of any dwelling to the primary street frontage
  • Not less than 1m from any boundary fence, hedge, or wall
  • Of an area not less than 1m² for each bird confined
  • Provided with a shelter constructed of suitable material, a rainproof roof and with an area of not less than 0.4m² for each bird.

While keeping roosters is not prohibited, the practice is not encouraged in residential areas. Invariably, complaints about noise will be received and the owner may be required to remove the bird(s) if they cause justifiable nuisance.

For further information, please contact us on (08) 8372 5111.

Please note that this information is only intended to provide guidance to the community and does not in any way bind the Council.

 

Birds excluding poultry

The following guidelines ensure your birds are kept in the best possible conditions for their comfort and that of your neighbours.

No birds shall be kept outdoors unless the birds are kept within an aviary or enclosure, which is:

  • At least 2m from any neighbouring building
  • Of an area which is appropriate for the breed of bird confined
  • Constructed of suitable material with a rainproof roof.

All bird shelters and enclosures shall be kept in a sanitary condition:

  • Any deceased birds are disposed of by burying
  • All accumulations of manure are stored in a fly proof container and the contents disposed of weekly so as to prevent offensiveness and the breeding of flies.

All containers for the storage of bird feed shall be rat proof.
For further information, please contact us on (08) 8372 5111

Keeping bees

The City of Unley supports the keeping of bees for non-commercial purposes and understands the important environmental value and role that bees play in any healthy ecosystem. 

There have been a small number of instances reported where the keeping of bees has become a potential nuisance to neighbouring properties. For this reason, Council recommends to all residents that if they wish to keep bees for non-commercial purposes, they first consult PIRSA and comply with any requirements they may have for the safe keeping of bees.

There are some instances where the bees may cause a nuisance to your neighbours.

As the bee owner it is your responsibility to ensure your bees do not cause a nuisance.

In extreme cases Council can take formal action against a bee owner if it is proven that the bees are causing a nuisance.

The definition of a nuisance is set out in the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016, and is defined as any adverse effect on an amenity value of an area that is caused by an animal or insect that unreasonably interferes with, or is likely to interfere unreasonably with, the enjoyment of the area by persons occupying a place within, or lawfully resorting to the area.
 
It is important to remember that in a lot of cases your neighbour may feel that they have been putting up with the nuisance for a period of time before they approached you. 
 
Council acknowledges that these matters can be very emotive and the source of disputes.

If you are unable to resolve the issue with your neighbour please contact the Council for advice on your rights and legal responsibilities

 

Farm animals

Council Development Approval is required to keep non-domestic animals.

Each application will be considered on its merits and no precedent is set by any approval given. For enquiries, please contact us on (08) 8372 5111.

These guidelines may be amended without notice. 

Injured wildlife

Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Hospital

We are fortunate to share our neighbourhood with a variety of native wildlife species. If you do come across an injured or abandoned native animal, we recommend you contact the Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Hospital located at 282 Anzac Highway, Plympton.
 
Phone (08) 8297 2455
Email adelaidekoalahospital@gmail.com
Open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
Out of hours or emergency, phone (08) 8371 0333
 
A team of dedicated professionals at the Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Hospital provide free emergency vet services to injured wildlife. The hospital takes in injured or orphaned wildlife with the aim of rehabilitation and release. They also participate in a wide variety of educational programs for students, carers, veterinary students and the public.  

Fauna Rescue of SA

Fauna Rescue of SA provides a 24 hour contact service for help caring for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Please call the following numbers for:
 
Koala Rescue Hotline 1300 KOALAS (1300 562 527
Bats Hotline (including Microbats and Flying Foxes) 0474 204 617
Other Wildlife Hotline (08) 8289 0896
 
Visit the Fauna Rescue of SA website to find out more about their services.