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We provide a range of services for situations involving animals in New Plymouth District. We are responsible for enforcing regulations for animal owners. Some of these services and regulations are outlined below.
For complete information on our role see the bylaws page. There is more information for dog owners in the dogs section.
There are rules for keeping some types of animals in urban areas. The main regulations are outlined below - click the buttons to find out more. For more specific information and rules please see the Animal Bylaw.
You can keep bees on your property if they are not a nuisance to others and are not dangerous to people's health. There are limits to the number of hives you can keep on an urban property. They are:
If you want to have more hives on your property you will need to request permission from us.
Cattle may be kept in urban areas provided they are kept no less than 2m from a boundary of any adjoining premises and are not, in the opinion of an NPDC officer, causing an annoyance.
You can keep two dogs in the city. To be able to keep more than two dogs on an urban property (less than 1 hectare) you must apply for consent which requires a property inspection. There is no charge for an inspection. See our dog registration page for further information and consent forms.
You cannot keep ferrets and stoats. Under the Bio-security Act it is illegal to buy, breed or keep ferrets.
Pigs may be kept in urban areas providing they don't cause a nuisance, aren't a health risk or offensive. Pigstys must comply with the Building Act 2004 and any discharge from a piggery must comply with the RMA and requirements from Taranaki Regional Council.
Horses may be ridden in some areas, but riders need to be able to fully control their horses around people. In urban areas, horse owners are required to remove horse manure.
To remove unwanted bees or wasps on your property check the Yellow Pages for a registered beekeeper. Contact us to report bees and wasps on public property.
You should contact us in the following circumstances:
You can contact us by phoning 06 759 6060 (24 hours a day 7 days a week) or through the online contact us form.
Under the Impounding Act 1955 (stock control) the following fees apply:
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Page last updated: 12:15PM Thu 27 April 2023