Hills Shire Council policy imposes restrictions on pet ownership

AN ANIMAL policy which will impose a restriction on the number of pets residents can own across The Hills, with a limit of two dogs over 25kg and no more than four cats, rabbits or guinea pigs.

Jason Nicholds with bull terrier Gretel, Animal rescue volunteer Adriana Gonzalez with her Anatolian shepherd George and Pet Journalist Caroline Zambrano with her Anatolian shepherd Cruz. Picture: AAP Image / Angelo Velardo

AN ANIMAL policy which will impose a restriction on the number of pets residents can own across The Hills has shocked and outraged volunteers and animal enthusiasts.

A proposal to modify The Hills Shire Council’s local orders policy for the ownership of animals was approved by the council last Tuesday.

Pet journalist and Hills resident Caroline Zambrano said responsible pet owners should not be penalised for owning larger breeds.

“That is discrimination and it’s wrong,” Ms Zambrano said.

The changes will see restrictions prohibit the ownership of more than two dogs that weight over 25kg, three dogs between 11kg and 25kg and four dogs under 11kg.

The policy would also see a ban on cats in Wildlife Protection Areas and an overall restriction of the ownership of more than four cats, rabbits or guinea pigs.

Animal rescue volunteer Adriana Gonzalez with her Anatolian Shepherd puppy in Baulkham Hills. Picture: AAP Image/Angelo Velardo

The policy also included restrictions around owning poultry, ducks and other birds.

“I feel that some of the restrictions may be unnecessary because it comes down to common sense,” Ms Zambrano said.

Hills Vet nurse and president of Forever Home Pet Rescue, Adriana Gonzales, said the surrender rate for animals would increase and residents would hide the pets from the council.

“This is a nightmare scenario for all pet owners,” Ms Gonzales said.

“A lot of people will be forced to surrender the pet into the pound or not declare them and face the fines.

“There are people who can look after more than four cats.”

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Ms Gonzales owns four dogs all over 30kg each.

“Am I going to have to apply for a waiver or am I going to be forced to surrender my animals?” she asked. “Why should people be penalised for owning pets?”

A Hills Shire Council spokeswoman said the policy was a guideline which assisted council officers when investigating concerns about the number of animals kept on a property.

“Each case will be determined on merit, and balance a person’s right to keep animals against the impacts on adjoining property owners,” he said.