An application for a permit must be made in writing. It needs to include:

• the species of the animal(s), the quantity desired to be kept and identifying features of the animal(s);
• the name, address and telephone number of the applicant
• the address where the animal(s) will be kept
• the reason you want to have the animal
• the type of enclosure, shelter and run proposed for the wellbeing of the animal(s)
• the total area available for all of the animals
• what you will do so the animals don't cause a nuisance i.e., noise, smell, damage to land, or polluting a waterway. With dogs and poultry, measures to prevent noise nuisance are to be provided

When you apply for a permit, an Authorising Officer will review your application. Below is the list of things they will consider.

• the zoning of the land i.e., residential, rural
• how close it is to other properties properties
• the cleanliness of the property
• the type and additional numbers of animals to be kept
• the security of the premises including the state of fencing and other housing
• the welfare of the animals
• the likely effects on adjoining properties
• the impact having the animals will have on amenities around your property i.e. ADD EXAMPLE
• if the neighbours have been told about your application, been given an opportunity to comment, and if they have an objection
• the conservation of the land and flora of the region;
• your history as an animal owner
• the guidelines of Local Law 2 and if they are being met
• any other relevant concern the Authorised Officer identifies

Animal - Includes poultry and other birds, dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, camels or like species.

Authorised Officer - Means a person appointed by Council under Section 224 of the Local Government Act 1989.

Commercial Zone Defined under the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme as land zoned for the purpose of business development/activities.

Council Means the Council of the City of Greater Bendigo.

Horse Includes stallion, colt, gelding, rig, mare, filly, foal, pony, donkey, ass or mule.

Industrial Zone - Defined under the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme as land zoned for the purpose of industrial development/purposes

Owner of an Animal - Includes the owner or occupier of any land where any animal lives, is kept, or is usually found.

Poultry Includes chickens, fowls, turkeys, ducks, geese, bantams, pheasants, squab, guinea fowl or similar but does not include roosters.

Public Place Includes:

(a) Any public highway, road, street, footway, court, alley or thoroughfare, notwithstanding that it may be formed on private property;

(b) Any public garden, reserve or other place of public recreation or resort.

(c) Any open space to which the public have or are permitted to have access.

(d) Crown Land;

(e) Council land or land owned by or vested in any other public authority; and

(f) Any trading area.

Residential Zone means any land used predominantly for residential purposes and includes land in the

• General Residential Zone,
• Low Density Residential,
• Mixed Use,
• Township Zones

as defined by the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme and includes all other zones not included in Rural Living Zones, Commercial and Industrial Zones, and Non-Conforming Uses in the City of Greater Bendigo.

Rural Zone defined under the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme as a

• Rural Living Zone
• Rural Conservation Zone

Need to find more information about the City's Local Law 2 and the keeping of animals?

You can visit the City's website page by clicking on the button below. If you have a question about this engagement, or have a question about keeping animals, you can get in touch with the team, details are in the contact us section below.

Visit the City website 'Keeping animals' page

You can reads the current Local Law 2 Keeping of animals on the City website.

Read the current Local Law 2

The Local Government Act 2020 gives Councils the ability to make Local Laws.

These laws support State Legislation and give Councils the opportunity to take local conditions, standards or circumstances into account.

Local Laws operate for a maximum of 10 years and must be renewed prior to expiring.

This process allows Councils to better support a growing population or changing circumstances within the municipality.

Local laws are used by councils to respond to issues and community needs within a local context. Local laws must not be inconsistent with any Act or regulations.

Everyone. A broad cross section of the Bendigo community - animal owners, non-animal owners, people who use public spaces, sporting and user groups and other stakeholders will all contribute a unique perspective to the creation of a new Local Law.