Information about the rules around keeping poultry*, roosters, goats and pigs in Tauranga.
Poultry
The Keeping of Animals Bylaw allows poultry to be kept on a residential property and the following conditions apply:
- up to 12 poultry can be kept in a residential area (a licence is required if a person would like to keep more than 12 poultry on their property)
- the coop or run can be constructed along the boundary line but must not be within five metres from any neighbouring dwelling
- the area must be kept clean so as not to attract flies and vermin
- poultry must be restrained, don't let them wander onto neighbouring properties, but they can free-range on the owner's property.
*Poultry includes domestic fowl (chooks), turkey, geese, ducks, ostrich, pigeon or emu.
Roosters
Roosters cannot be kept within the city boundary without prior written consent. It is only in exceptional circumstances that written consent will be given to keep a rooster.
Animal Services will not respond to complaints about dumped, abandoned or unowned roaming poultry unless on Council land. If the complaint relates to the welfare of the animal then please call SPCA
Goats
Goats cannot be kept within the city boundary without prior written consent unless the area is zoned Rural. Written consent may be given upon receipt of a written application and if Council is satisfied that the goat:
- will be kept securely
- will have adequate water, food and shelter
- won't cause a nuisance to any other person.
Any approval may be revoked at any time by giving the owner five days' written notice to remove the goat.
Pigs
Pigs cannot be kept within the city boundary without prior written consent unless the area is zoned Rural. It is only in exceptional circumstances that written consent will be given to keep a pig.