Newcastle bylaws set strict rules for animal owners
Residents say persistent barking, horrible odours and flies are affecting households near an Aviary Hill property.
How many animals are too many?
This is the question being asked after the Newcastle Advertiser was made aware of a property in Aviary Hill allegedly housing around 15 dogs.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous out of fear of intimidation, informed the Advertiser that at one stage there were also livestock and poultry being kept on the premises, causing a massive stink for neighbours.
“The poultry and livestock have since been moved from the property. However, the dogs are still there,” stated the resident.
Concerns over allegedly bad conditions
According to the resident, the immediate area around the property constantly reeks of faeces and urine.
This has resulted in an infestation of flies, raising concerns about the potential health impact on neighbours and their households.
Aside from the potential health implications, the source said the situation had become a nuisance to neighbours, with the dogs allegedly barking continuously from dawn until dusk.
The matter has allegedly been reported to the municipal pound on several occasions, but to date, nothing has been done.
What do the bylaws say?
Newcastle Municipality’s bylaws relating to the keeping of animals clearly stipulate that no person may keep more than three dogs on their premises unless authorised by council in writing.
The bylaws also prohibit keeping a dog that causes a nuisance or disturbance to others.
The definition of a ‘nuisance’ includes conduct that is offensive, compromises health or safety, or causes disturbances.
The bylaws specifically prohibit keeping an animal in a manner that creates a nuisance, health hazards, odours, or sound and noise problems. This includes nuisance arising from the conditions in which animals are being kept.
The bylaws also provide for the seizure or impoundment of animals being kept contrary to their provisions.
In the event that animals are seized or impounded, the owner will first be served with a 30-day compliance notice requiring the animals to be removed if compliance is not adhered to.
The bylaws also give health officers, as well as authorised municipal officials, the power to enter premises at a reasonable time to inspect them and question the animal owner.
Municipality has yet to respond
The Newcastle Advertiser directed a series of questions to Newcastle Municipality on July 30 regarding the property in question, as well as the municipal bylaws pertaining to pet ownership and the keeping of animals. To date, no response has been received.
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