Birds, poultry & other animals
Council regulates the keeping of birds, poultry, pigs, goats, sheep, horses and cows to ensure the health and safety of the community and environment.
Under Council's Local Laws, the keeping of various animals is based on the size of your property. If you wish to keep more animals than is allowed in the below table, then you must apply for an "excess permit".
You are not permitted to keep any of the animals listed below in a conservation planning area (under CairnsPlan 2016) or in a unit or dual occupancy premises.
Council recognises that there are different types of birds that are kept in the community and because of their natural instincts they require individual consideration. The different types are as follows:
Birds means all birds other than noisy birds, special birds, poultry and roosters.
Noisy birds means a bird that is noisy in the opinion of an authorised person and includes a cacophonous birds of the galah, cockatoo, magpie, peacock or currawong variety. Roosters are not included in this group.
Poultry includes any species of chickens (including bantam chickens), geese, ducks, guinea fowls, turkeys, pheasants or quails.
Special birds include emus and ostriches.
Number of animals
Species or breed | Size of property | Number allowed |
---|---|---|
Poultry | 450m2 to 799m2 800m2 to 1,999m2 2,000m2 to 10,000m2 | 6 maximum 9 maximum 12 maximum |
Birds | Up to 799m2 800m2 to 4,500m2 | 10 maximum 30 maximum |
Special birds | Less than 20,000m2 | Not permitted |
Noisy birds | Less than 800m2 800m2 to 10,000m2 | Not permitted 1 maximum (permit required) |
Rooster | Less than 10,000m2 | Not permitted |
Racing pigeons | Less than 600m2 600m2 to 799m2 Great than 799m2 | Not permitted 100 mamimum 200 maximum |
Goats | Less than 2,000m2 2,000m2 to 3,999m2 4,000m2 to 10,000m2 | Not permitted 2 maximum 4 maximum |
Sheep | Less than 2,000m2 2,000m2 to 10,000m2 | Not permitted 4 maximum |
Rams | Less than 10,000m2 | Not permitted |
Domesticated pigs | Less than 10,000m2 Greater than 10,000m2 | Not permitted 4 maximum |
Bulls, horses, donkeys, cows (and other animals of similar size) | Less than 2,000m2 2,000m2 to 10,000m2 | Not permitted 1 maximum |
Stallions | Less than 10,000m2 Greater than 10,000m2 | Not permitted Permit required |
Additional animals
If you wish to keep more animals than specified above, you need to apply to Council for an "excess permit".
We considered excess permits on a case-by-case basis. A Council officer will discuss your application with you and will inspect your property to establish suitability.
Excess permit request forms:
Last Updated: 11 May 2022
Latest News > All News
Queensland Budget delivers funding boost to Cairns water security
The Miles Government is strengthening water security for Cairns, using the recent state budget to increase funding toward the Cairns...
Council statement on recent media coverage
Council statement in response to recent media coverage on the appointment of the interim CEO....
Have your say on Cairns’ future aquatic facilities needs
Residents are being invited to provide their views on the future aquatic facility needs of the Cairns region....