Pet limit and rooster ban on Coast

A LIMIT on dogs and cats and a ban on roosters are among changes to animal control in new Local Laws.

Sunset clauses have been built into new laws governing keeping pets and poultry on the Fraser Coast to protect existing pet owners.

Under the new Local Laws residents can keep two cats and two dogs.

If they wish to keep more cats or dogs they will have to apply to council.

The keeping of dogs and cats will be also be prohibited on Fraser Island.

Sunset clauses have been built into the new local laws so that people who already have more than two cats or dogs registered will not have to relinquish their beloved pets, Fraser Coast Regional Council Executive Manager Regulatory Services Andy Gaze said.

"The sunset clauses will allow owners with more registered pets to keep them until they are sold, given away or the pets die."

"We are asking owners who have extra pets to advise council by the end March so we can ensure our records are up to date."

There have also been changes to regulations for keeping poultry in urban and rural areas

"To ensure the peace and quiet of urban neighbourhoods, only members of poultry clubs can apply to keep roosters," Mr Gaze said.

Residents should check to see if their block is zoned rural.

"Sometimes people think that because they live on a large block they in a rural area, but their property might in fact be in an urban area," he said.

"We urge people to look at the maps on the Council's website to check whether they are on a rural or urban property. People with poultry (chickens and roosters) should also check the local laws for other changes that may affect them."

Sunset clauses have also been included in legislation covering animal enclosures.

"The new Local Laws outline the requirements for animal enclosures and fencing," Mr Gaze said.

The new regulations are contained in Subordinate Local Law No 2 Schedule 6.

Owners need to make sure that enclosures are not to close to boundary fences or buildings.

Existing enclosures that do not comply can be used for 10 years or until the property sells or the resident moves.

"But residents must advise council that their enclosure does not comply with the new local law by the end of March to ensure council's records are up to date," Mr Gaze said.

Fact sheets on the sunset clauses are available from council's Customer Service centres.