The Shire of Kojonup recognises that many residents enjoy keeping animals. However, there are rules under the Shire's Health Local Laws 2000 to ensure animals are kept in a way that protects public health, prevents nuisance and maintains good neighbour relations.

What livestock can I keep?

Within a townsite, you cannot keep horses, cows or large animals without written approval from the Shire of Kojonup. Large animals include:

  • Sheep
  • Goats
  • Pigs
  • Deer
  • Camels
  • Horses, ponies, donkeys and mules
  • Cattle, calves, bulls and oxen

Council approval is required before these animals can be kept on a townsite property. 

Requirements for approved livestock

If approval is granted, the property must meet certain minimum standards, including:

  • At least 0.2 hectares (2,000 m²) of land available exclusively for the animal.
  • Animals must not come within 30 metres of a dwelling.
  • Appropriate stabling and housing must be provided.
  • Manure must be managed and removed regularly to prevent odours, flies and health risks.

Poultry and chickens

Residents may keep poultry, including chickens, ducks and bantams, provided the following requirements are met:

  • No more than 12 poultry and pigeons combined may be kept on a townsite property without Council approval.
  • Poultry must be housed in a secure enclosure.
  • Poultry must be kept at least 9 metres from dwellings, public buildings, workplaces and food premises.
  • Poultry enclosures must be located in an area of at least 30 square metres.
  • Poultry must not be able to approach within 1.2 metres of side or rear boundaries.
  • Enclosures must be kept clean and maintained to prevent odours, vermin and disease. 

Roosters and other birds requiring approval

Within a townsite, written approval from the Shire is required before keeping:

  • Roosters
  • Geese or ganders
  • Turkeys
  • Peacocks or peahens
  • Game birds (including emus and ostriches)

Council may grant approval subject to conditions and may revoke approval if the birds create a nuisance or pose a risk to public health. 

General animal keeping requirements

Anyone keeping animals or birds must ensure:

  • Premises are kept clean and free of excessive manure, food waste and other materials that may attract flies, rats or other pests.
  • Animal enclosures are properly drained.
  • Animals do not create a nuisance to neighbours through noise, odour or unsanitary conditions.
  • Animal housing is maintained in a clean and hygienic condition. 

Thinking about keeping livestock?

If you are considering keeping livestock, poultry or other animals within the Kojonup townsite and are unsure whether approval is required, please contact the Shire's Regulatory Services team before obtaining the animals.

Shire of Kojonup
Phone: (08) 9831 0000
Email: council@kojonup.wa.gov.au [kojonup.wa.gov.au],

Please note: Different requirements may apply to rural-zoned and farming properties. The above information primarily relates to properties located within a townsite under the Shire's Health Local Laws 2000. 

Roosters