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Nambucca Shire Council Local Approvals Policy Keeping of Animals 2013 Prepared by: Environment and Planning Department Date: July 2013 Adopted by Council: 11 September 2013
17

Local Approvals Policy Keeping of Animals...property boundaries) Applicable Regulations and Other Advisory Matters Pigeons 50 (members of recognised aviculture society) 15 (non-members)

Jan 21, 2021

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Page 1: Local Approvals Policy Keeping of Animals...property boundaries) Applicable Regulations and Other Advisory Matters Pigeons 50 (members of recognised aviculture society) 15 (non-members)

Nambucca Shire Council

Local Approvals Policy

Keeping of Animals

2013

Prepared by: Environment and Planning Department

Date: July 2013

Adopted by Council: 11 September 2013

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Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 2

Aims of this Policy ........................................................................................................................ 2

Purpose of this Policy................................................................................................................... 2

Scope of this Policy ...................................................................................................................... 2

Definitions .................................................................................................................................... 3

Prescriptive Requirements ........................................................................................................... 3

Council’s Powers to Control and Regulate the Keeping of Animals .............................................. 4

Giving of Orders by Council ......................................................................................................... 5

Table 1: Requirements for Animal Keeping in Urban Areas.......................................................... 6

Table 2: Requirements for Animal Keeping in Large Lot Residential Areas .................................. 9

Appendix 1 – Standards for the Keeping of Birds and Animals (Extract from Local Government

(General) Regulation 2005) ........................................................................................................ 12

Appendix 2 – Code of Practice for keeping of birds .................................................................... 14

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Introduction The Nambucca Shire Council encourages the responsible keeping of animals, including, but not limited to, companion animals, therapeutic animals, pets, hobby farm animals, sustenance and food production animals. Most people who keep animals, as pets, or for the companionship they offer, will attest to the many benefits arising from such interactions. However, there are also negative situations that can occur when animals are kept in unhealthy or inappropriate conditions, or are kept in locations or circumstances which cause a nuisance to others. This Policy serves to inform members of the communities within the Nambucca Shire as to their rights and responsibilities when keeping animals. This Policy outlines the legal requirements and responsibilities of animal owners, and also offers advice and guidance to ensure that the keeping of animals is conducted in the most healthy and harmonious manner possible.

Aims of this Policy The aims of this Policy are to: a Clarify Council’s position on the keeping of animals in different land-use areas within the

Nambucca Shire; b Outline Council’s responsibilities and expectations in regard to keeping animals in these

areas; and, c Educate the owners and carers of animals as to their responsibilities, and to encourage them

to act in the community interest.

Purpose of this Policy The purpose of this Policy is to supplement provisions of the NSW Local Government Act 1993 and Regulations by specifying matters that Council must take into account when determining whether or not to issue an Order under Section 124 of that Act. This Policy will allow Council Regulatory Officers and members of the public to ensure that the objectives of Schedule 2 Part 5 of the NSW Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 – Standards for Keeping Birds or Animals, are observed when taking these matters into consideration. This Schedule is attached to the end of this Plan as Appendix 1.

Scope of this Policy This Policy applies to the keeping of animals for domestic purposes as companion pets or for hobby interests. However, the principles contained in the prescriptive requirements also apply to the keeping of animals for commercial purposes including breeding, boarding, grooming, caring, treatment, racing, exhibiting, trading or selling. Where it is intended to keep animals for commercial purposes, advice should be sought from Council’s Planning Department as to whether a Development Application is required by Council in order to obtain planning consent. Consent to the operation of animal establishments may not be granted where Council considers that the proposal would be detrimental to the amenity of the locality.

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This Policy addresses statutory and community-based obligations for animal management practices in different land use areas. The land-use areas referred to in this Policy are described in the Nambucca Shire Council’s Local Environment Plan 2010 (LEP) and shall include Urban Areas (R1, 2, 3 & 4) or Residential/Village zones (RU5) and Large Lot Residential (Rural-Residential Areas) (R5) as well as Rural land abutting any of these previously mentioned zones/areas. Guidelines or obligations for the keeping of animals in rural zones (RU1, 2 & 3) are not prescribed or controlled by this Local Approvals Policy.

Definitions The definitions used in this Policy shall be read and incorporated in conjunction with:

Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997;

NSW Local Government Act 1993;

NSW Local Government (General) Regulation 2005;

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979; and

Nambucca Local Environmental Plan 2010; Unless specified otherwise, the Act referred to in this Policy is the NSW Local Government Act 1993. A dictionary defining the most important terms used in this Policy is taken from the dictionary for that Act, listed as Appendix 3 of this document.

Prescriptive Requirements The number of animals that may be kept at a premise is not to exceed the number shown as listed in the Table of Requirements included with this Policy. In circumstances where an approval may be required, Council may not grant approval for increased animal numbers or changes to the identified minimum set back distance, however, Council may consider application for increased animal numbers or changes to the minimum setback distance where it can be demonstrated that such variation will have no potential or actual disturbances to health, environment, or neighbourhood amenity. The type of animal that is suitable to be kept at any premises will be determined having regard to the size of the available yard area, the distance to the nearest dwelling or other prescribed building, and any animal management plan for collection and storage of waste, control of noise, pests and vermin. Certain statutory requirements apply as noted in the table. It should not be assumed that animals of all types may be kept on premises which are part of a multiple dwelling allotment. Where a dwelling is owned within a Strata Plan or Community Title, it will be necessary for the rules of the Body Corporate to be examined for requirements relevant to the keeping of animals. In many cases private covenants may apply to land, whilst in some cases, restrictions may have been placed on the title of properties through development consent conditions restricting the type of animals which may be kept. A check of the land title will indicate the existence of such covenants.

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All animals must be kept in a manner which does not:

Create unclean or unhealthy conditions for people or for the animals

Attract or provide a harbourage for vermin

Create offensive noise or odour

Cause a drainage nuisance or dust nuisance

Create waste disposal problems or pollution problems

Create an unreasonable annoyance to neighbouring residents or fear for safety

Cause nuisance due to proliferation of flies, lice, fleas or other insects Suitable shelter should be provided for all animals. Certain types of animals are required to be kept in cages to prevent their escape or attack by predators. Generally, other animals are to be securely enclosed with adequate fencing to prevent escape. Animal shelters should not be erected or located at premises without first determining whether the prior approval of Council is required. To determine whether a proposed animal shelter complies with Council’s requirements, or requires approval, please refer to State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, located on Council’s website at http://www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au. Ferrets, cats, pigs and deer must not be released into the environment.

Council’s Powers to Control and Regulate the Keeping of Animals Generally, Council’s powers to control and regulate the keeping of animals are provided under Section 124 of the NSW Local Government Act 1993 and the NSW Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, Schedule 2 Part 5. Under Chapter 7, Part 2, Division 1, Section 124, Order 18 of the above Act, the Council may, in the appropriate circumstances, issue an Order to:

Prohibit the keeping of various kinds of animals;

Restrict the number of various kinds of animals to be kept at a premises; or

Require that animals be kept in a specified manner The Council may also issue Orders requiring:

Demolition of animal shelters built without prior approval of the Council; or

The occupier to do or refrain from doing such things as are specified so as to ensure that land or premises are placed or kept in safe or healthy conditions

It is advised that Council can exercise further controls under the following Acts:

Impounding Act, 1993;

Food Act, 2003 (prohibits animals to be kept where food is handled for sale);

Companion Animals Act 1998;

Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979; and,

Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997;

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Giving of Orders by Council Firstly, it must be established that the keeping of a particular animal within the zone or area is permitted under Nambucca Shire Council’s Local Environmental Plan. Secondly, where a problem is identified with keeping of animals and it cannot be resolved through consultation and mediation, the Council may proceed to issue notice of its intention to serve an Order. Normally a person will be given opportunity to make representation to Council prior to a formal Order being issued. In situations which Council believes constitute a serious risk to health or safety, an emergency Order to address or remove the risk may be issued without prior notice.

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Table 1: Requirements for Animal Keeping in Urban Areas

URBAN AREAS (R1, 2, 3 & 4) (Including Villages RU5) Type of Animal Maximum

Number Minimum Distance

(from habitable structures and/or

property boundaries)

Applicable Regulations and Other Advisory Matters

Bees - - Requirements for the keeping of bees in residential, urban or village areas are provided by the NSW DPI

Birds including canaries, budgerigars, quails, finches and parrots

Depending on breed of bird and location

Aviaries to be 900mm from any

property boundary

All birds to be kept in accordance with the “Code of Ethics” produced by the Associated Birdkeepers of Australia and printed by NSW Agriculture [Appendix 2]

Cats 2 (and kittens to 6

months)

_ These regulations are to be read in conjunction with the Companion Animals Act, 1998 This Act requires cats to be: a microchipped by 6 months of age, and b to be registered with the Council Cats must not be released into the environment.

Dogs (excluding greyhounds)

2 (and pups to 6

months)

_ The exclusion of greyhounds does not apply to greyhounds which are registered as companion animals. These regulations are to be read in conjunction with the Companion Animals Act, 1998 This Act requires dogs to be: a microchipped by 6 months of age, and, b to be registered with the Council

Ferrets 2 Cages to be 9m from dwellings

and

900mm from any property boundary

The keeping of ferrets is not recommended in urban areas. However, where proper care (including appropriately designed, secure cages) is available, the keeping of ferrets is permitted providing no nuisance is created. Ferrets must not be released into the environment.

Greyhounds Prohibited in urban areas

The exclusion of greyhounds does not apply to greyhounds which are registered as companion animals.

Horses and cattle 0 _ The keeping of horses and cattle on properties of less than 5,000m

2 in a

residential, urban or village area, is not considered appropriate.

Pigs 0 _

The keeping of pigs is prohibited in residential, urban or village areas. Pigs must not be released into the environment.

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URBAN AREAS (R1, 2, 3 & 4) (Including Villages RU5)

Type of Animal Maximum Number

Minimum Distance (from habitable

structures and/or property

boundaries)

Applicable Regulations and Other Advisory Matters

Pigeons 50 (members of recognised aviculture society)

15 (non-

members)

Coops to be 9m from dwellings

and

900mm from any property boundary

Free lofting [defined as the uncontrolled release of pigeons] is prohibited in residential, urban or village areas. Exercise periods to be restricted to the 2 hours immediately preceding sunset and following sunrise. Training of young birds to be conducted in a manner to avoid nuisance.

Poultry (domestic), guinea fowl and bantams Poultry other than fowls, including geese, turkeys peafowl and other pheasants

10 (and chicks until

fully fledged) 5

(and chicks until fully fledged)

4.5m from dwellings

and

1 metre from any property boundary

30m from dwellings and

1 metre from any property boundary

Keeping of poultry must not create a nuisance or be dangerous or injurious to health. Poultry yard must at all times be kept clean and free from offensive odours. Council may insist on the keeping of domestic poultry or guinea fowl at a distance greater than 4.5m in a particular case. The keeping of roosters in residential, urban or village areas is prohibited

Poultry yards must be enclosed to prevent escape of poultry. The floors of poultry houses beneath roosts or perches must be constructed of impervious material (eg concrete or mineral asphalt) if constructed within 3m of a property boundary. This does not apply to poultry houses that are located at a distance greater than 15.2m from a dwelling, public hall or school. Where impervious material is not required the floor of the poultry house is to be covered with clean sand or other suitable material.

Rabbits 2 (same gender)

Cages to be 900mm from any

property boundary

Must be domestic breed and kept in a cage. Cages may be portable to allow access to fresh feed, but must securely contain animal(s). Do not release into environment.

The rabbit is a declared noxious animal under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1989. However two domestic breed same gender pet rabbits, securely housed, are permitted per residential allotment. NOTE: Restriction on numbers is imposed by

the NSW Primary Industries - Agriculture under the Rural Lands Protection Act, 1989. For more than one rabbit a permit must be obtained from the Rural Lands Protection Board.

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URBAN AREAS (R1, 2, 3 & 4) (Including Villages RU5) Type of Animal Maximum

Number Minimum

Distance (from habitable structures

and/or property boundaries)

Applicable Regulations and Other Advisory Matters

Other rodents (rats, mice and guinea pigs)

Appropriate to location,

species and breed

Appropriate distance to avoid nuisance and/or health hazard.

Must be kept in appropriate, escape-proof cages which are kept odour free. These animals must not be released into the environment

Reptiles and amphibians

As appropriate to

circumstances

As appropriate to circumstances.

All species must be adequately housed to prevent escape. The National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 and Fauna Protection Regulations place a general prohibition on the keeping of reptiles. Advice on the keeping of any reptile or amphibian should be sought from National Parks and Wildlife Service in ALL cases

Sheep and goats 1 of either 9m from dwellings

Billy goats or rams should not be kept on a residential property in a residential, urban or village area.

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Table 2: Requirements for Animal Keeping in Large Lot Residential Areas

LARGE LOT RESIDENTIAL (RURAL-RESIDENTIAL) AREAS (R5) Type of Animal Maximum

Number Minimum Distance (from habitable structures & property boundaries)

Applicable Regulations and Other Advisory Matters

Bees - - Requirements for the keeping of bees in large lot residential areas are provided by the NSW DPI

Birds including canaries, budgerigars, quails, finches and parrots

Depending on breed of bird and location

Aviaries to be 900mm from any property

boundary

All birds to be kept in accordance with the “Code of Ethics” produced by the Associated Birdkeepers of Australia and printed by NSW Agriculture [Appendix 2]

Cats 2 (and kittens to

6 months)

_ These regulations are to be read in conjunction with the Companion Animals Act 1998 This Act requires cats to be: a microchipped by 6 months of age, and, b to be registered with the Council Cats must not be released into the environment.

Dogs (excluding greyhounds)

2 (and pups to 6

months)

_ The exclusion of greyhounds does not apply to greyhounds which are registered as companion animals. These regulations are to be read in conjunction with the Companion Animals Act 1998 This Act requires dogs to be: a microchipped by 6 months of age, and, b to be registered with the Council

Ferrets 5 Cages to be 9m from dwellings

and

900mm from any property

boundary

Where proper care (including appropriately designed, secure cages) is available, the keeping of ferrets is permitted providing no nuisance is created. Ferrets must not be released into the environment.

Greyhounds

2 Kennels to be 15m from adjoining dwellings

and

900mm from any property

boundary

Individual greyhounds to be housed in separate kennels. Kennels to be secure and lockable Minimum kennel dimensions to be 1200 (w) x 1800 (h) x 1200 (d) [See Greyhound and Harness Racing Regulatory Authority Guidelines for the Greyhound Industry]

Muzzles must be fitted to each greyhound when in public and no more than 2 greyhounds to be walked by one individual

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LARGE LOT RESIDENTIAL (RURAL-RESIDENTIAL) AREAS (R5) Type of Animal Maximum

Number Minimum Distance (from habitable structures & property boundaries)

Applicable Regulations and Other Advisory Matters

Horses and cattle 1 per 0.5 ha 9m from dwellings

and

1m from any property boundary

Must be securely fenced

Pigs 1 60 m from any dwelling or property boundary

DT&I guidelines suggest that large lot-residential properties under 1.5 ha in area are not suitable for the keeping of pigs Pigs must not be released into the environment.

Pigeons 150 (members of recognised

aviculture society)

50 (non-

members)

Coops to be 9m from dwellings

and

1m from any property boundary

Free lofting [defined as the uncontrolled release of pigeons] is prohibited in large lot residential areas. Exercise periods to be restricted to the 2 hours immediately preceding sunset and following sunrise. Training of young birds to be conducted in a manner to avoid nuisance.

Poultry (domestic), guinea fowl and bantams Poultry other than fowls, including geese, turkeys peafowl and other pheasants

10 (and chicks

until fully fledged)

5

(and chicks until fully fledged)

4.5m from dwellings

and

1m from any property boundary

30m from dwellings

and

1m from any property boundary

Keeping of poultry must not create a nuisance or be dangerous or injurious to health. Poultry yard must at all times be kept clean and free from offensive odours. Council may insist on the keeping of domestic poultry or guinea fowl at a distance greater than 4.5m in a particular case.

The keeping of roosters in large lot residential areas is not recommended. Noise issues relating to roosters will result in the removal of offending bird Poultry yards must be enclosed to prevent escape of poultry. The floors of poultry houses beneath roosts or perches must be constructed of impervious material (eg concrete or mineral asphalt) if constructed within 3m of a property boundary. This does not apply to poultry houses that are located at a distance greater than 15.2m from a dwelling, public hall or school. Where impervious material is not required the floor of the poultry house is to be covered with clean sand or other suitable material.

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LARGE LOT RESIDENTIAL (RURAL-RESIDENTIAL) AREAS (R5) Type of Animal Maximum

Number Minimum Distance (from habitable structures & property boundaries)

Applicable Regulations and Other Advisory Matters

Rabbits 2 (same gender)

Cages to be 900mm from any property

boundary

Must be domestic breed and kept in a cage. Cages may be portable to allow access to fresh feed, but must securely contain animal(s). Do not release into environment.

The rabbit is a declared noxious animal under the Rural Lands Protection Act, 1989. However, two domestic breed same gender pet rabbits, securely housed, are permitted per rural-residential allotment. Note: Restriction on numbers is imposed by the NSW Department Primary Industries - Agriculture under the Rural Lands Protection Act, 1989. For more than one rabbit a permit must be obtained from the Rural Lands Protection Board.

Other rodents (rats, mice and guinea pigs)

Appropriate to location, species

and breed

Appropriate distance to

avoid nuisance and/or health

hazard.

Must be kept in appropriate, escape-proof cages which are kept odour free. These animals must not be released into the environment

Reptiles and amphibians

As appropriate to

circumstances

As appropriate to

circumstances.

All species must be adequately housed to prevent escape. The National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 and Fauna Protection Regulations place a general prohibition on the keeping of reptiles. Advice on the keeping of any reptile or amphibian should be sought from National Parks and Wildlife Service in ALL cases

Sheep and goats 1 of either per 0.5 ha of land

9m from dwellings

Enclosure must be securely fenced to avoid escape

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Appendix 1 Standards for the Keeping of Birds and Animals (Extract from NSW Local Government (General) Regulation 2005)

Schedule 2

Part 5 Standards for keeping birds or animals Division 1 Keeping of swine 17 Swine not to pollute 1 Swine must not be kept in such a place or manner as to pollute any water supplied for use (or

used, or likely to be used): a by a person for drinking or domestic purposes, or b in a dairy.

2 Swine’s dung must not be deposited in such a place or manner as to pollute any water referred to in subclause (1).

18 Swine not to be kept near certain premises 1 Without limiting clause 1, swine must not be kept (and swine’s dung must not be deposited)

within 60m (or such greater distance as the council may determine in a particular case) of a dwelling, shop, office, factory, church or other place of public worship, workshop, school or public place in a city, town, village or other urban part of an area.

2 A greater distance determined under this clause applies to a person only if the council has served an order under section 124 of the Act to that effect on the person.

Division 2 Keeping of poultry 19 Poultry not to be nuisance or health risk: 1 Poultry must not be kept under such conditions as to create a nuisance or to be dangerous or

injurious to health. 2 Poultry yards must at all times be kept clean and free from offensive odours. 20 Poultry not to be kept near certain premises 1 Fowls (that is, birds of the species Gallus gallus) or guinea fowls must not be kept within 4.5m

(or such greater distance as the council may determine in a particular case) of a dwelling, public hall, school or premises used for the manufacture, preparation, sale or storage of food.

2 Poultry (other than fowls referred to in subclause (1)) must not be kept within 30m of any building referred to in subclause (1).

3 The floors of poultry houses must be paved with concrete or mineral asphalt underneath the roosts or perches. However, this subclause does not apply to poultry houses: a that are not within 15.2m of a dwelling, public hall or school, or b that are situated on clean sand.

4 Poultry yards must be so enclosed as to prevent the escape of poultry. 5 The standards in this clause apply to a person only if the council has served an order under

section 124 of the Act to that effect on the person.

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Division 3 Keeping of horses and cattle 21 Horses and cattle not to be kept near certain premises: 1 Horses and cattle must not be kept within 9m (or such greater distance as the council may determine in a

particular case) of a dwelling, school shop, office, factory, workshop, church or other place of public

worship, public hall or premises used for the manufacture, preparation or storage of food.

2 The floors of stables must be paved with concrete or mineral asphalt or other equally impervious

material, and must be properly graded to drain.

3 Horse yards and cattle yards must be so enclosed as to prevent the escape of horses and cattle.

4 The standards in this clause apply to a person only if the council has served an order under section 124

of the Act to that effect on the person.

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Appendix 2 – Code of Practice for keeping of birds

This Code is designed for everyone involved in keeping, breeding, showing and trading birds (other than domestic poultry). By adhering to the code, people involved in this industry demonstrate to the general community their concern for birds in their care. The code is neither a complete manual of aviculture husbandry nor a static document. It may be revised to take account of advances in the understanding of bird physiology and behaviour, technological changes, changing industry standards, and the community’s attitudes and expectations about the welfare of birds. Compliance with the code does not remove the need to abide by the requirements of any other laws and regulations, such as local government or National Parks and Wildlife Service legislation. The code has been prepared by the Associated Birdkeepers of Australia (ABA), representing a large proportion of those in aviculture. It is not intended to apply to those premises licensed or approved under the Exhibited Animals Protection Act or by the Zoological Parks Board.

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 This code recognises the following principles:

a a primary concern for the welfare of birds. b a realisation of the need for conservation. c a concern for others in aviculture. d compliance with legislative requirement.

1.2 The importance of care and competence in the handing and keeping of birds cannot be over-

emphasised. Appropriate expert advice and guidance should be sought whenever needed. 1.3 This code cannot replace the need for common sense and experience. 2.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 2.1 The basic needs of aviary birds are: a ready access to proper and sufficient food and water adequate to maintain health and

vigour. b freedom of movement and ability to exercise or fly appropriate to the species. c accommodation which provides protection and which neither harms nor causes

distress. d fresh air and exposure to suitable light. e protection from predators, toxic substances and diseases. f rapid identification and competent treatment of any injury, vice or disease. 3.0 FOOD & WATER 3.1 Adequate food suitable for the needs of the particular species of birds should be readily

available. Most species of birds should have access to food at all times. 3.2 Clean, cool water should be available at all times. It is totally unacceptable for birds to die from lack of food or water.

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4.0 ACCOMMODATION 4.1 Each species should be accommodated according to its need, including: a protection from extremes of climate. b safety from predators. c ability to escape from, or to avoid distress caused by other birds animals, and humans. d protection of food and water containers from contamination or firm rain or direct

sunlight. e sufficient space, perches, nesting areas and/or feed and water station to meet the

needs of all the birds in the cage or aviary. f nesting sites and materials appropriate for the species for breeding purposes where

intended. 5.0 HEALTH & HYGIENE 5.1 Good animal husbandry, as for any animal species, is essential for the welfare of birds. 5.2 Newly acquired birds should be quarantined for a suitable time for treatment / observation

before release into aviaries or cages. 5.3 Birds show ill health or stress in a great variety of ways, but careful observation may be

needed as sick birds are able to suppress some signs when stimulated. 5.4 Sick or injured birds should be isolated to facilitate observation and treatment and to prevent

further damage and / or to restrict the spread of infection. 5.5 Cages and aviaries should be cleaned regularly; the floor and food and water containers in

holding cages should be kept clean. 5.6 Birds should be inspected regularly, preferably daily, to ensure that adequate feed and water

is available, to check on their state of health, and to identify and promptly remedy any problem that may develop. New, sick or young birds should be inspected more frequently.

5.7 Where treatment to restore health or to repair injury is not possible or is not successful,

euthanasia should be performed by a competent person and in an appropriate and humane manner. Veterinary advice should be sought.

6.0 PROCEDURES 6.1 Catching Aviary birds usually causes them distress and some species are particularly susceptible. Birds should be caught by the least stressful method available and subjected to minimal handling. 6.2 Restraint Special care and knowledge is necessary in holding or restraining birds, and the most appropriate method should be used for each species. 6.3 Wings Pinioning of wings is an unacceptable practice and is defined as an act of cruelty. The clipping of wing feathers of small birds or nervous species is also unacceptable.

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6.4 Rings The application of rings for identification purposes requires careful selection of the appropriate ring and its application. Some species, especially adult birds, should not be ringed because of the risk of self-mutilation. Special care is needed should a ring require removal. for example, to attend to a leg injury. 6.5 Beak Trimming Overgrown beaks should be carefully trimmed. Unless due to curable disease or a nutritional problem, birds with overgrown beaks should not be used for breeding. 6.6 Toe Trimming Excessively long nails should be trimmed without drawing blood, but toes should not be cut with the intent of preventing nail growth. Overgrown nails may be indicative of inadequate conditions, particularly in small cages. 7.0 PARASITE CONTROL

7.1 Worm control is necessary with most aviary birds. 7.2 Water or feed medication may be indicated in some circumstances, but is least efficient. 7.3 Individual dosing should be performed by competent operators. 7.4 Chemicals, eg insecticides, should be selected and used carefully and in accordance with pesticide

laws. For example, pest strips are ineffective except in enclosed areas. 8.0 BIRDS ON DISPLAY

8.1 Show and Exhibitions Show and Exhibitions should be conducted over as short a period as possible and not more than 72 hours. Public access should be controlled. Birds exhibiting signs of distress, injury or disease must be removed from the display area for appropriate attention or treatment. Birds on display must be under competent supervision at all times. Food and water must be available and birds accommodated in accordance with this code. Cage sizes must be not less than the show standards for the particular species. 8.2 Markets and Auctions These are stressful to birds and must be conducted over as short a period as possible and not more than 12 hours. Otherwise conditions as in 9.1 apply. This code has been endorsed by:

The NSW Animal Welfare Advisory Council

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

NSW Department of Industry and Investment, Primary industries - Agriculture

Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council Canary & Cage Bird Federation of Australia Inc