Animals

Issues relating to ownership and care of animals in the Auckland isthmus are covered by Part 3 - Animals of council's Bylaws.

For information about Dogs, click here.

The Hauraki Gulf Islands are covered by the bylaws as well as by the far stricter regulations of the Biosecurity Act which has declared the islands a controlled area. Find out more on the Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area in the Environment section of Auckland Regional Council's website www.arc.govt.nz

Slaughtering of animals

The slaughtering of animals is prohibited on residential properties. As set out in Part 3.9 of the Bylaws, the slaughter of any animal, including those intended for human consumption, must be carried out on a premise licenced under the Meat Act 1964.

Animals found dead

Whales

To report dead or stranded whales on the beach contact Department of Conservation - see www.doc.govt.nz

All other animals

Private property

Note: It is your responsibility to dispose of a dead animal on your property.

If a dead animal is causing a health nuisance, Auckland City can serve an abatement notice on the owner of the property requiring the removal of the animal.

Public property

Motorway or state highway
To report an animal found dead on the motorway or state highway contact Transit NZ - see www.transit.govt.nz.

All other public property
Auckland City will investigate reports of animals found dead on public land.

Wandering or loose stock

Motorway or state highway

To report an animal found wandering on the motorway or state highway contact Transit NZ - see www.transit.govt.nz

Roads and private land

To report wandering animals or stock on the road or on private land contact:

All other public land

Auckland City will investigate reports of loose or wandering stock on private or public land.

Birds

There is no limit to the number of domestic birds you can keep as long as they do not cause a nuisance as set out in Part 3.5 and Part 3.7 of Auckland City's Consolidated Bylaw 1998. There are specific rules under the bylaws on keeping poultry.

Building an aviary

If you are thinking about building an aviary, you will need to consider both planning and building issues.

Bird rescue

For information on, or requests for bird rescue, visit www.spca.org.nz

Poultry

Rules covering the housing, location and confinement of poultry are set out in Part 3.3 of Auckland City's Consolidated Bylaws 1998 and apply to the keeping of:

Pigs

Pigs are not allowed to be kept in Auckland City except in areas defined in Part 3.1 and Part 3.2 of Auckland City's Consolidated Bylaw 1998.

Cats

There is no requirement for registration or licencing of cats in New Zealand. There are also no restrictions on the numbers of cats that may be kept on a property, however if there is an associated health nuisance or other problems Auckland City will investigate the problem.

Stray cats

A cat that appears to be stray may in fact be one that is missing or stolen from its home. Cats wander long distances, particularly if frightened by something or confused by injury or illness. If a cat has been hanging around your property and/or you suspect it is a stray, contact one of these organisations who may be able to assist in reuniting the cat with its owners.

• The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) can provide advice and assistance - particularly if the cat is sick or injured.
• Pets on the Net - post a found cat notice or view lost listings, both free of charge.

Opening a cattery

If you are thinking of opening a cattery you will need to discuss planning and environmental issues with Auckland City.

Bees

Bee keeping is allowed subject to the rules set out in Part 3.4 of Auckland City's Consolidated Bylaws 1998.

For information on eradication of bees refer to Pests.

Other animals as pets

There is no specific prohibition on keeping animals (except pigs) in residential areas. Animals such as horses, sheep and goats are allowed to be kept as pets as long as they do not cause a nuisance.

Reviewed May 2009