Animal Keeping
If you are involved in the keeping of animals it is important to ensure that your activities do not create a nuisance or health risk to neighbours. Council’s Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) may investigate issues related to animal keeping, such as noise, odours, dust and pest control. Further information on the requirements for keeping specific animals can be found below.
Poultry Keeping
To reduce noise, dust, odours and pests and prevent a nuisance to neighbours:
- locate animal keeping areas as far away as possible from adjoining houses
- the keeping of poultry, ducks etc on smaller sized allotments should be avoided
- provide concrete flooring or paving, and spread straw in the poultry keeping area to absorb animal droppings
- ensure all roosting/nesting areas are adequately enclosed
- use vermin and insect proof food and water containers and ensure they are regularly cleaned
- do not over feed animals as excessive feed will attract vermin and pests. Remove uneaten food on a regular basis
- regularly clean and maintain the poultry keeping area
- do not keep roosters
For more information on poultry keeping, see our factsheet.
Bees
Bees may be kept on properties within the Mount Barker District Council provided they do not cause a nuisance to neighbours or the public.
Any person keeping bees is required to register as a beekeeper with Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA). Please visit PIRSA’s website for further information on bees and beekeeper registration.
If you wish to sell honey produced by your bees you will be required to notify as a food business with council. For further information on food business notification and requirements for food businesses please see the Food Safety page.
Animal Contact Guidelines for handlers, exhibitors, child care services and schools
The SA Health Animal Contact Guidelines provide information on the prevention of illness related to animal contact. Animal handlers, exhibitors, childcare services and schools should ensure these guidelines are followed to help reduce the risk of illness to themselves, customers and people in their care.