Other Animal Information 

Keeping of Animals within the Townsite

Along with Dogs and Cats, a range of other animals can be kept within the Shire of Cuballing. The Shire of Cuballings Health Local Laws can be found here.  Again, it is the responsibility of the animal owner to ensure their animals safety and wellbeing, along with ensuring local laws and legislation are adhered to. Below are some highlights from the Cuballing Health Local laws which are commonly asked questions.

Keeping of Animals and Birds

Animal refers to cats, dogs. Rabbits and ferrets or the like

Bird refers to galahs, parrots, budgerigars, finches, pigeons and doves or the like.

The owner or occupier of premises in which an animal or bird is kept has to ensure:

• The premises is free from excrement, filth, food waste, etc
• When direct by an Environmental Health Officer, clean and disinfect the premises
• Keep the property (as best a they can) free from excess amounts of flies and other vermin
• Ensure the animal or bird does not cause a nuisance or pose a health/safety risk to other residents/animals

In some instances, an animal or bird owner may need an appropriate enclosure to house their pets. There are requirements for enclosures, and it is up to the owner to ensure the enclosure is kept clean and placed in an appropriate location on the property.

Keeping of Large Animals

Cow includes ox, calf, or bull

Horse includes an ass, mule, donkey or pony

Large animal includes pig, sheep, goat, deer or camel, cow, horse, lama, emu, ostrich or the like

Property owners within the townsite (Popanyinning and Cuballing) are not allowed to keep a horse, cow, more than 3 sheep or more than 3 goats or any other large animal without approval from the Cuballing Shire council. Approval cannot be obtained if the premises has an area less than 0.2 hectares of alienated land and, the animal does not approach within 30 metres of a dwelling or place where food is stored, manufactured, processed, served or exposed for sale. To seek approval from council, a request must be made in writing (either via email or written letter).

Keeping of Poultry and Pigeons

There is a limitation to the number of poultry and pigeons one can have on their property within the townsite, which is 12. There are also conditions for keeping poultry and pigeons which include:

• No poultry is able to approach within 9 metres of a dwelling, public building premises where people are employed or where food is stored, prepared, manufactured or sold
• all poultry is kept in a properly constructed and securely fastened structure or enclosure
• the structure is in a yard having an otherwise unobstructed area of at least 30 square metres
• no poultry are able to approach within 9 metres of a street other than a right of way unless, in the case of land at the junction of two or more streets, Local Government has approved a lesser distance
• all enclosures or cages within which poultry are kept shall be maintained at all times in a clean condition and shall be disinfected or otherwise dealt with in a way as directed by an Environmental Health Officer

  Possums  In Australia, it is illegal to harm, harass or relocate possums without appropriate approvals. These animals are a native species, so they are protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Living in rural areas increases your chances of attracting one of these furry critters to call your roof or property home. If a possum has taken up residence in your roof, there are some measures you can take such as: Provide an Alternative Shelter – You can try to provide alternative shelter by putting up a nest box, ideally in surrounding trees near your property. It’s recommended that you construct an alternative shelter prior to blocking off any entry points Identify where the possums are entering your roof – Possums are extremely stealthy and will get into holes that appear smaller than themselves Wait until the possum has left at night and then seal any entry points – Possums are extremely territorial, so they will try there hardest to re-enter your property. This may take a few go’s, so be consistent in blocking off known entry points Consider pruning tree limbs or trees that are in contact with your house

  For additional information you can go to Possums in Your Roof - GeoCatch or you can click here for a Possum fact sheet from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservations and attractions website. Alternatively, you can contact the Department of Biodiversity, Conservations and attractions by calling the Wildcare helpline on 08 9474 9055.

Snakes Snakes are found all over Australia and are protected under both State and Commonwealth Legislation. There are ways to assist in keeping your home snake free which can include: Managing your Garden, clear debris and try to eliminate as much clutter as possible from your property. Cut off food sources – Control rodents in and around your home and try to reduce any water leaks (leaking pipes, clogged drains, etc). Try to minimise areas where snakes will be able to drink. Seal any entry points into your home – Ensure any vent covers, door sweeps and screens are sealed correctly. Ensure any holes that may appear in the structure of your home have been sealed over to eliminate the risk of any critters getting into your home.

To ensure public safety, its important to know who to contact should you find a snake on your property. The Shire does not capture, handle, relocate or removes snakes (this includes the Shire Rangers). Licenced Snake handlers include: DBCA – Narrogin Office DBCA staff are trained and hold snake handling equipment Phone Number: 9881 9200 (office hours) Mark Nicholas – Cuballing Licensed Snake Handler Phone Number 0429 836 459 Additionally, you can check out the Snake Fact sheet from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservations and attractions by clicking here

pests

Pests and Feral Animals