City of Kwinana proposes new local law to cut red tape around animal ownership

The City of Kwinana will attempt to slash some of the red tape around animal ownership through a new local law.

The city has proposed a new animal, environment and amenity local law 2023 as part of its review of local laws.

The proposed law will be out for public comment in May and residents are encouraged to provide feedback.

It aims to streamline the administration process for animal ownership in the city as well as repeal outdated local laws, consolidate and simplify existing laws and modify public health penalties which the city says are “not effectively managed or controlled” at present.

Mayor Carol Adams said the proposed law was developed after research into other local government laws to set a benchmark standard and discussion about the evolving needs of the community.

“The proposed changes resulting from the local law creates new offences for burning rubbish, provides standards of cleaning and maintenance of the keeping of all animals, and removes registration requirements for keeping of horses and low numbers of poultry, pigeons and bees,” Ms Adams said.

“It sets limits on aviary birds and roosters and has new provisions for vermin control, including mosquitoes, rodents and cockroaches.”

Ms Adams said it also integrated laws relating to poultry, pigeons, bees, horses and pigs into the one local law, including number limits and setbacks.

The public consultation period will open in May via the Love My Kwinana website.

All submissions will be considered by the council before the the law is considered.