Key Dates

Previously 1 May 2025

At its meeting on 15 May 2025, elected members agreed to recommend Council adopt the proposed Keeping of Animals Bylaw. The bylaw was adopted on 26 June 2025 with a commencement date of 1 July 2025. In summary, the new bylaw contains the following:

• Cats are now included in the bylaw. Owners of cats must desex, microchip and register their cats with the NZ Companion Animals Register (a non-Council owned register). Note Council does not benefit from the costs of registering cats.
• New limits for certain animals, particularly in suburban areas.
  1. A limit of 4 beehives in all areas without permission for more in Porirua, except rural areas.
  2. A limit of 10 chickens without a permit in suburban areas only.
  3. A default ban on stock animals in suburban areas unless there is a permit.
  4. Enforcement of the new limits will be at officers' discretion.
• A permit system for those who want to keep animals outside the new rules. This permit system will not cost owners anything.
• A new requirement to ensure animals are not killed in a manner that causes nuisance
• New definitions of nuisance and definitions for various animal types
• New enforcement provisions – officers may issue a notice to abate if it’s believed the bylaw is being breached. Officers will still be required to investigate complaints and gather evidence before making a call.