Other Animals

Keeping animals in town

Here’s what you need to know about looking after pigs, poultry, bees and livestock in town. Most importantly... be a caring owner. Caring owners have healthy animals and happy neighbours.

We have a set of rules for keeping pigs, poultry, bees or livestock in the urban and low density areas of our district. Because low density residential areas are a bit different in character than higher density areas, the bylaw rules are a bit different too. It’s your responsibility to know the rules, to keep your animals safe and well and make sure your neighbours are safe and happy as well!

Poultry

Roosters or cockerels are only allowed in rural areas.

Up to six poultry may be kept in an urban area, or 12 poultry in a low density residential area. If you want to keep more than that, you’ll need written permission from us first.

In urban areas and the low density residential zone, poultry must be kept in a poultry house, with an attached, enclosed poultry run. There must be at least 10 metres between the poultry house/run and neighbouring buildings. Coops used to keep pigeons, doves and similar birds don’t need to be enclosed.

Pigs

You can keep up to four pigs in our low-density residential zones but you’ll need written permission from us first. Pigs are not allowed on or within any premises in our urban areas (urban areas as defined in our Nuisance Bylaw).

If you keep more than four pigs on your rural property, you may be considered a pig farmer, which means you’ll need a resource consent. Check with us first.

Calves, lambs and kids

Keeping a calf, lamb or kid for calf club and rural shows is a tradition in our communities. Unless there is a livestock covenant on your property, you’re allowed to keep pets up to 12 months of age for calf club rearing activities in town. Please be mindful that young animals on their own do get lonely and their cries can be distressing or a nuisance for neighbours.

It’s also important to have a well fenced area or a tether to keep the animal secure.

Beekeeping

Although beekeeping is generally only allowed in our rural areas, you can ask us for permission to keep bees in town.

More information

Read our Nuisance Bylaw for the specific rules.

For general information see our brochure: