About the Policy

One of the things Council is responsible for under the Local Government Act (1993) is to control and regulate the keeping of animals.

We recognise that pet and animal ownership in our community significantly benefits our well-being. This Policy will help Council ensure that we are being thoughtful of each other and our local environment by considering the following before an animal is brought onto a property:

  • The size of the property
  • Where the animals will be kept and the distance from any structures on site or on adjoining properties
  • The type of animals to be kept
  • The number of animals to be kept
  • Consent from the owner of the property
  • The likely impact of the animals on the environment and the amenity of the area
  • Written support from neighbouring properties will be beneficial in supporting the application for a variation

This Draft Policy intends to be "grandfathered" in, which means you will not have to change your current pet ownership based on the Policy. However, it will be considered when applying to bring a new animal onto your property.

The purpose of the Policy Guidelines is to provide a balanced approach to managing domestic and companion animals living within the Shellharbour City Council Local Government Area (LGA).

The Policy will provide Council staff with a regulatory pathway to address complaints as well as provide animal owners with clear guidelines and expectations.

The policy does not impact current animal ownership and features a transitional phase which states:

"where the number of animals owned by a person exceeds the number prescribed in the Policy Schedule, no further or replacement animals should be acquired to no more than the maximum allowed at the time of the animals passing, given away or sold."

The Policy Guidelines create a baseline for animal numbers within the Shellharbour LGA.

Residents can acquire and keep pets in accordance with the Policy guidelines.

The policy includes a series of requirements for keeping animals in residential areas. It provides a defined baseline around animal numbers that the Council may rely on when required to address any impact caused as a result of keeping of any animal species.

In any instance, enforcement action can be undertaken by the Council regardless of the numbers, where council staff have established negative impacts upon surrounding areas and neighbours.

Depending on the nature of your enquiry, please contact Council’s Customer Service team who will be able to direct your questions to the appropriate area in Council or any external organisations where necessary.

Share your feedback

The formal submissions period will be open from 19 December - 4pm on 30 January 2025

Before making a submission we encourage you to read over the Petitions and Submissions Policy and Submissions Procedure. By reading these documents you will familiarise yourself with the submission process and ensure that your submission is valid. Your personal information contained in your submission is collected by Council for the purpose of corresponding with you about your submission. If you make an anonymous submission, Council will be unable to contact you further. A summary of the points made in your submission will be contained in the Council meetings business paper and made public on Council’s website, your personal information will not be displayed. Check the Privacy Statement for further information.

Make a submission in writing

The formal submission period finishes 4pm Friday 30 January 2025. Thank you for your feedback!

Name Chief Executive Officer
Phone 4221 6111
Email council@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au
Website www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/council/public-exhibition
In writing

Locked Bag 155

Shellharbour City NSW 2529