Permit for excess animals or birds

A permit is required to keep a greater number of animals than what allowed under our Community Local Law No. 2.

How many animals can I have?

Under Local Law No. 2, you must not keep any more animals or types of animals as set out in the table below without a permit.

Maximum number of animals allowed at your property without a permit
Type of animal Residential
area		 Farming zones less than 0.5ha & rural living zones Farming zones greater than 0.5ha
Dogs (includes working dogs) 2 2 5
Cats 2 2 2
Poultry 10 40 No limit
Turkeys and geese 0 0 30
Roosters 0 0 20
Domestic birds (includes pigeons) 30 30 100
Ferrets 2 4 10
Guinea pigs 6 6 10
Domestic rabbits 2 6 10
Domestic mice 6 10 10
Pigs 0 0 6
Horses, donkeys, mules, sheep and goats 0 2 No limit
Camels 0 0 No limit
Cattle 0 1 No limit
Ostriches, emus and peacocks 0 0 No limit
Any other livestock or agricultural animal 0 0 No limit

How to apply

In person

Step 1.Download and complete the application

Application for permit to keep excess animals or birds(PDF, 130KB)

Step 2.Notify your neighbours

You must: 

  1. Notify your neighbours of your proposal to keep more than the permitted number of animals and/or birds
  2. Obtain their signatures on the application form to indicate that they are aware and supportive of your application 

Step 3.Return your completed application to

Customer service

45 Splatt Street
Swan Hill
VIC 3585

72 Herbert Street
Robinvale
VIC 3549

View our opening hours

Step 4.Pay the permit fee

Pay with cash, cheque, money order, EFTPOS, Mastercard or Visa. Please note we do not accept Diners Club and American Express.

You can view the fees and charges under the 'Fees' tab.

Mail

Step 1.Download and complete the application

Application for permit to keep excess animals or birds(PDF, 130KB)

Step 2.Notify your neighbours

You must: 

  1. Notify your neighbours of your proposal to keep more than the permitted number of animals and/or birds
  2. Obtain their signatures on the application form to indicate that they are aware and supportive of your application

Step 3.Prepare a cheque or money order

Payable to "Swan Hill Rural Council" and crossed "Not Negotiable".

You can view the fees and charges under the 'Fees' tab.

Step 4.Return your completed application to

Swan Hill Rural City Council
PO Box 488
Swan Hill
VIC 3585

Fees

Excess animals 2026/27 fees
Excess animal / birds permit fee $45

What happens next?

If the correct supporting documentation is not provided, the permit will be declined and the applicant will be contacted within 7 working days of submission.

Successful applicants will receive a permit to their nominated mailing address. 

Your responsibilities

  • Dogs and cats must wear the Council-provided tags at all times.
  • Registration fees are due in April each year.
  • Dogs and cats must remain on your property at all times, either inside a gate or contained.
  • When outside your property, dogs and cats must be on a lead.
  • Ensure your dog or cat behaves well in public. They must never chase or attack people or other animals. 

Contact us

Phone

 

After hours emergencies ONLY

(dog attacks or livestock on roads)

 

Email

locallaws@swanhill.vic.gov.au

 

Location

45 Splatt Street
Swan Hill
VIC 3585
View map

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