Darwin Council proposed by-laws run ‘afowl’ with chook owners

Chicken owners have cracked it over Darwin council’s proposed by-law changes which would prevent residents from owning more than six chooks.

Chicken owners have cracked it over Darwin Council’s proposed by-law changes which would prevent Darwin residents from owning more than six chooks

CHICKEN owners have cracked it over Darwin Council’s proposed by-law changes which would prevent Darwin residents from owning more than six chooks.

Suburban residents would also be banned from owning roosters.

There was 33 submissions made in the Building Better By-laws consultation report relating to the changes to chicken keeping.

The report was moved from confidential into open at the last minute at Tuesday night’s council meeting.

Of the submissions 24 opposed the changes while five supported the restrictions.

Under the proposed by-laws those caught flouting the rules could be slapped with a $316 on the spot fine.

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The submissions from the public also included a 70 signature petition opposing the changes.

The NT Chicken Community Hub, which has almost 2000 members on Facebook opposed the proposal stating: “keeping roosters and chickens is overwhelmingly a positive activity and, like dogs and cats it is the way some people manage them not simply the fact that people have them,” the submission stated. The submission also stated the cap on chooks would result on chicken dumping – with owners unable to find homes for excess birds.

The Darwin and Rural Poultry Club’s submission called the six chook limit arbitrary and did not address perceived noise issues.

Darwin Council Government Relations and External Affairs general manager Melissa Reiter said they were working through the extensive submissions.

“A consultation report has been endorsed by Council and incorporates all of the feedback received on the Draft By-laws,” she said.