City of Darwin by-laws to restrict ownership of chickens and roosters for first time

A move to limit chook ownership in Darwin has angered community members who are worried about their pets’ futures. Have your say in our exclusive reader poll.

A proposed change to the City of Darwin by-laws has ruffled some feathers in the community.

Local mother Sonya Kapser-Wotton is concerned a move to restrict poultry ownership across the City of Darwin, would severely affect her two autistic sons and other families like hers.

“Removing our roosters and chickens will have a negative effect on our children and cause them to revert back to their severe anxiety and sensory issues,” she said.

The suggested changes to the by-laws would limit ownership to six chickens on any residential block larger than 600 sqm, while roosters would only be allowed on “blocks zoned for domestic livestock, community living or community purpose”.

Mrs Kapser-Wotton, who lives in Millner, said her family was “devastated” at the thought of having to cull their pets, and started a petition which had almost 5000 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon.

“Not only are these chickens their therapy animals, they are their beloved pets, their long-term homeschool science studies and their wellbeing responsibility,” she said.

Tobeas and Sebastian have raised the birds to be prizewinners at local agricultural shows.

Mrs Kapser-Wotton said having to get rid of them would therefore have an impact on future shows, as well as disregarding a push for inclusion in the community.

“Considering the council’s push for additional needs inclusion, it is appalling to see the Council being so ableist and discriminatory, not only towards those requiring these therapy pets but to anyone having roosters and chickens as pets,” she said.

Autism NT executive officer Niki Lehmann said she had seen first-hand the impact chickens could have.

“They can be useful in the aid of sensory seeking, calming and de-escalation — they also allow emotional regulation for individuals who struggle showing emotion and promoting good mental health,” she said.

A City of Darwin spokesman said the changes to the by-laws would mark the first time in 30 years they have been altered.

Tobeas and Sebastian Wotton with their prize roosters Jackson and Johnny, who are at risk under the proposed changes to City of Darwin by-laws. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“We believe it’s important our by-laws are reflective of 21st century Darwin and they are in line with the way City of Darwin currently goes about the business of serving our community,” he said.

“As part building a more contemporary set of by-laws City of Darwin will, for the first time, introduce by-laws relating to keeping livestock and poultry.”

The council did not comment on what would happen to people who currently own roosters or chickens or how many people had put in submissions against the proposed changes.

City of Darwin Councillor Morgan Rickard, who also owns chickens, has shown his individual support alongside the concerned residents.

“I’d like to think that in situations like this ideally we can find a regulatory sweet spot,” he said

Morgan Rickard owns chickens and think there should be a “sweet spot” for residents when it comes to poultry ownership.

“I totally understand the concerns and how difficult it can be for neighbours who have roosters who are noisy, but I don’t like the idea of people being ‘punished’ for the actions of irresponsible pet owners.”

Mr Rickard said residents in the City of Darwin should have their say on all of the proposed by-laws before the consultation process ended on Friday.

“I’d encourage people to comment, whatever the thing is, whether it’s by-laws or a development,” he said.

“When people engage with consultation processes that's the best way for people to get the results they want from the people that represent them.”