Rules for keeping stock

You must:

  • keep stock securely fenced
  • stop animals wandering onto roads or public land
  • maintain fences suitable for the type of stock you keep
  • manage animals so they do not create a safety risk or nuisance.

Land used for grazing must have stock-proof fencing.

You may only graze stock on road frontage with written approval from Council. Any approval conditions must be followed.

If stock causes damage, creates a traffic hazard, or repeatedly escapes, we may take enforcement action.

 

Goats sitting in a paddock

Report Wandering stock

Stock on the state highway or expressway

If stock is wandering on the state highway or expressway, contact:

NZ Police 
Te Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

Our staff cannot respond to stock issues on state highways.

Stock on private land

If stock wanders onto private land, the landowner and animal owner need to resolve it between themselves.

For more information, see the Impounding Act 1955, Part 5.

Stock on local roads or public places

Contact us if you see stock wandering on a local road or in a public place on the Kāpiti Coast

Animal welfare concerns

If you are concerned about stock welfare, see our Reporting animal concerns page.

You can also read animal welfare codes for keeping stock, including goats and pigs, on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

Keeping goats and pigs

You need our approval before keeping goats or pigs on an urban property smaller than 2,000 square metres.

You will need:

  • a licence to keep animals other than bees or dogs
  • a resource consent

Shelter for pigs, pig swill, or pig manure must be at least:

  • 50 metres from any building that stores or sells food for people
  • 20 metres from a property boundary

See Part 3, General residential zones, in the District Plan for more detail.

Before you apply for a licence to keep animals other than bees or dogs on your property

Before completing this form, make sure you:

  • check whether your property is suitable for the animals you want to keep
  • confirm your fencing and animal housing are secure and appropriate
  • check whether resource consent is also required under the District Plan
  • discuss your proposal with neighbouring properties
  • prepare a site map or diagram showing where animals will be kept.

Applications with complete information and neighbour support are usually processed more quickly.

How to apply

To apply for a licence to keep goats or pigs on an urban property smaller than 2,000 square metres, use one of these forms:

You also need to apply for resource consent.

How applications are assessed

Council may consider:

  • property size
  • fencing and containment
  • animal welfare
  • potential noise or odour effects
  • impacts on neighbours
  • public health and safety
  • compliance with District Plan rules.

Council may:

  • request additional information
  • inspect the property
  • place conditions on approval.

Important responsibilities

If approved, you must:

  • keep animals securely contained
  • maintain suitable fencing
  • manage noise, odour, and waste
  • ensure animals do not create a nuisance or safety risk
  • comply with all licence conditions.

We may investigate complaints or take enforcement action if licence conditions are not met.