What you told us

We heard mixed feedback on the number of animals you can keep without a permit, particularly in higher-density housing, with 63.3% of respondents supporting a review. We also heard more practical concerns about animal management, particularly dog waste, nuisance, ensuring adequate fencing for animals, and the suitability of animal numbers in higher-density housing.

Some respondents expressed concerns about dogs off leash in restricted areas. This is enforced through Council’s powers under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. There are also actions in Bayside’s Domestic Animal Management Plan in relation to promoting responsible pet ownership and minimising dog and cat nuisances.

Our proposed response

The proposed amendments respond by clarifying what animals and numbers may be kept, using a tiered approach for multi-residential developments and other land, and including sensible exemptions such as young dogs and cats, assistance animals and land regulated through the Planning Scheme.

Suggested amendments concerning animal housing, nuisance, fencing and carrying a waste bag reflect community sentiment about a need for clearer day-to-day expectations and better management of impacts on public spaces and nearby residents.

Clauses that relate to ‘Your animals’ include (pages 12 - 14 in the draft Community Local Law 2026):

17. Permitted quantity of animals

18. Keeping of animals

19. Animal excrement and conduct

20. Bees and wasps

21. Riding horses on Council land and roads

Key themes for proposed amendments

• Providing clarity around prohibitions, animal type and numbers that may not be kept.

• Introducing a tiered approach to the number of animals kept (i.e. multi-residential developments; and other land).

• Exemptions for:

• Dogs and cats under 12 weeks of age.

• Land regulated under the Planning scheme.

• Assistance dog or animal.

New provisions proposed for laws about animals in Bayside include:

• Minimising nuisance associated with animal housing or the way the animals are kept.

• Ensuring adequate fencing to prevent animals escaping.

• The requirement for a pet owner to carry a bag for animal waste.