A controversial proposal to cap household pet numbers has exposed a growing tension between animal welfare concerns and council regulations, as authorities across Australia grapple with managing urban pet populations.
Eurobodalla Shire Council on NSW's South Coast has ignited fierce community debate with draft animal ownership limits that would restrict urban households to just two dogs, four cats, one rabbit, and two ferrets.
The policy, designed to prevent animal abuse and neighbourhood disputes, has been labelled 'ridiculous and appalling' by residents who say it unfairly targets responsible pet owners.
But this isn't happening in isolation. Councils across NSW are pushing to limit pet ownership, with similar restrictions already proposed by Hilltops Council and others examining their own animal management policies.
The science that's challenging council logic
The most contentious aspect of Eurobodalla's proposal centres on limiting households to just one rabbit—a rule that flies in the face of established animal welfare science.
Rabbits are a social species and prefer to live in groups. If you decide to own a rabbit, always have at least 2 rabbits, states Agriculture Victoria's official pet care guidelines.
The evidence is overwhelming: Lack of company is one of the worst welfare problems for rabbits in Victoria. Single rabbits can suffer chronic loneliness and boredom.
'Rabbits are social animals that can greatly benefit from the companionship of another rabbit'
Research published in scientific journals confirms what rabbit owners have long known. Studies have shown that rabbits value the companionship of their own kind as much as they do food, according to the Rabbit Awareness Action Group.
Victorian research found that only 18 per cent of rabbits live with the company of another rabbit, highlighting how widespread this welfare issue already is. The Victorian government explicitly recommends against keeping rabbits alone, stating that the best combination is a desexed male and a desexed female.
What the proposed limits actually mean
Under Eurobodalla's draft policy, urban residents would face these restrictions:
- Dogs: 2 adults maximum
- Cats: 4 maximum
- Rabbits: 1 maximum
- Ferrets: 2 maximum
- Horses: 2 maximum (kept 9 metres from buildings)
- Birds: At officer discretion
Rural property owners would be allowed slightly higher limits, including up to four dogs.
While the number of rabbits allowed to be kept is limited to one, residents may have two ferrets on their property - an irony not lost on critics, given that rabbits are the natural prey of ferrets, and so-called 'ferreting' is a traditional way of catching rabbits.
A growing trend across Australia
This push toward pet ownership limits reflects broader changes in how councils manage urban animal populations. Most councils set a maximum number of animals per household, often requiring permits for more than 2-3 dogs or cats, according to recent analysis of Australian pet ownership laws.
Typical council pet limits across Australia
NSW: Most councils limit to 2-3 cats/dogs without permits
Victoria: Similar 2-3 animal limits in urban areas
Queensland: Generally 2 animals per household maximum
South Australia: 2-3 cats typical council limit
The timing is significant. Pet owners and members of the public are being invited to help shape cat and dog laws in NSW, with the NSW Government delivering on its election commitment to conduct a wide-ranging review of the Companion Animals Act 1998. However, the laws around pet ownership haven't been reviewed in 20 years. With pet ownership on the rise and increased pressure on council pounds and rehoming organisations, it is important to assess if the current laws are still fit for purpose.
This review comes as Australia has 28.7 million pets found in the country, some of the highest pet ownership rates in the world. The ratio of pets to the human population in Australia is 101:100. This ratio means that there are more animal companions in Australia than there are humans.
The community pushback
Local residents haven't held back in their criticism of the proposed limits. One resident told media that the policy overlooks the most important factor: 'You can have one dog or cat at a premises that is abused or poorly cared for.'
The rabbit restriction has drawn particular ire. 'I had two and they were best friends,' one person said. 'Why can't your rabbit have a friend? And many people have three well-cared-for dogs that are not a problem.'
Others questioned the logic of the limits, with one asking: 'cats can cause more damage than one bunny.'
The council's position
Eurobodalla Council maintains that the rules for different animals are based on the risks they pose to public safety, the environment, biosecurity and high-value assets, such as gardens.
While there is no specific regulation under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 that covers the keeping of pet rabbits, the council said it was worth noting it was illegal in Queensland under its Biosecurity Act. The council said ferrets were regulated under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015, which classified them as a notifiable pest, and their keeping was subject to specific conditions.
Over the past year, Eurobodalla rangers responded to 406 incidents involving irresponsible dog ownership, where dogs were not under effective control—an average of more than one a day. The Eurobodalla Council said most dog-related incidents occur during the warmer months, particularly on beaches.
What this means for pet families
What current pet owners should know
- These are still draft policies open to public consultation
- Existing pet owners would likely be 'grandfathered' under current arrangements
- Rural properties typically have higher allowances
- Multiple councils across NSW are considering similar restrictions
- The NSW pet law review is accepting submissions until May 2025
For Australian families, particularly older pet owners who may be downsizing or moving between council areas, these changing regulations create new considerations. Fines for unregistered or unmicrochipped pets can exceed $330 per offence, and non-compliance with animal limits could result in forced rehoming.
The broader context is concerning for pet welfare advocates. Animal welfare shelters are full of rabbits that can't find homes, and restrictions that separate bonded animals or prevent proper social groupings could worsen this problem.
Looking ahead
The debate reflects deeper questions about urban planning, animal welfare, and individual rights that councils across Australia are grappling with. As cities become more dense and pet ownership continues to rise, finding the right balance becomes increasingly complex.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Australia has more pets per capita than humans—with 101 pets for every 100 people. Around 69 per cent of Australian households own at least one companion animal, making pet ownership restrictions a major issue affecting the majority of families.
The council encourages anyone concerned with the policy regarding rabbits, or any other animals, to make a submission about the policy. With the NSW-wide review of companion animal laws also accepting feedback until May 2025, this may be a crucial time for pet owners to have their voices heard.
The outcome in Eurobodalla could set a precedent that ripples across Australian councils, making this small South Coast community's decision about pet limits a matter of national significance for the millions of Australian families who consider their pets part of the family.
Have you been affected by changing pet ownership rules in your area? What do you think about councils limiting the number of beloved companions families can keep? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/p...227169efe59f482955f9be26b1d243?from=rss-basic
Councils push to limit pet ownership in NSW | Australian Dog Lover
Cited text: Nationwide, 69 per cent of Australian households own a pet but under the proposed Hilltops Council Draft Companion Policy, residents of this Council may soon ...
Excerpt: Councils across NSW are pushing to limit pet ownership
https://www.australiandoglover.com/2023/06/councils-push-to-limit-pet-ownership-in.html?m=0
Owning a rabbit | Rabbits | Other pets | Animal Welfare Victoria | Livestock and animals | Agriculture Victoria
Cited text: Rabbits are a social species and prefer to live in groups. If you decide to own a rabbit, always have at least 2 rabbits.
Excerpt: Rabbits are a social species and prefer to live in groups. If you decide to own a rabbit, always have at least 2 rabbits
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/live...e-victoria/other-pets/rabbits/owning-a-rabbit
Pet-care practices research results for rabbit owners | Rabbits | Other pets | Animal Welfare Victoria | Livestock and animals | Agriculture Victoria
Cited text: Lack of company is one of the worst welfare problems for rabbits in Victoria. Single rabbits can suffer chronic loneliness and boredom.
Excerpt: Lack of company is one of the worst welfare problems for rabbits in Victoria. Single rabbits can suffer chronic loneliness and boredom
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/live...practices-research-results-for-rabbits-owners
Eurobodalla Shire Council's one-rabbit policy breeds contempt on social media | PS News
Cited text: Studies have shown that rabbits value the companionship of their own kind as much as they do food.
Excerpt: Studies have shown that rabbits value the companionship of their own kind as much as they do food
https://psnews.com.au/eurobodalla-s...olicy-breeds-contempt-on-social-media/166019/
Pet-care practices research results for rabbit owners | Rabbits | Other pets | Animal Welfare Victoria | Livestock and animals | Agriculture Victoria
Cited text: ... Only 18 per cent of rabbits live with the company of another rabbit.
Excerpt: only 18 per cent of rabbits live with the company of another rabbit
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/live...practices-research-results-for-rabbits-owners
Pet-care practices research results for rabbit owners | Rabbits | Other pets | Animal Welfare Victoria | Livestock and animals | Agriculture Victoria
Cited text: The best combination is a desexed male and a desexed female.
Excerpt: the best combination is a desexed male and a desexed female
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/live...practices-research-results-for-rabbits-owners
Eurobodalla Shire Council's one-rabbit policy breeds contempt on social media | PS News
Cited text: While the number of rabbits allowed to be kept is limited to one, residents may have two ferrets on their property.
Excerpt: While the number of rabbits allowed to be kept is limited to one, residents may have two ferrets on their property
https://psnews.com.au/eurobodalla-s...olicy-breeds-contempt-on-social-media/166019/
Eurobodalla Shire Council's one-rabbit policy breeds contempt on social media | PS News
Cited text: Rabbits are the natural prey of ferrets, and so-called ”ferreting” is a traditional way of catching rabbits.
Excerpt: rabbits are the natural prey of ferrets, and so-called 'ferreting' is a traditional way of catching rabbits
https://psnews.com.au/eurobodalla-s...olicy-breeds-contempt-on-social-media/166019/
Pet Ownership Laws in Australia: Essential Legal Guide for New Owners
Cited text: Number of Pets: Most councils set a maximum number of animals per household, often requiring permits for more than 2-3 dogs or cats.
Excerpt: Most councils set a maximum number of animals per household, often requiring permits for more than 2-3 dogs or cats
https://petcareshed.com.au/blogs/pet-supplies/pet-ownership-laws-australia-guide
NSW pet laws go under the microscope—Office of Local Government NSW
Cited text: Wednesday, 26 February 2025 Pet owners and members of the public are being invited to help shape cat and dog laws in NSW, with the NSW Government deli...
Excerpt: Pet owners and members of the public are being invited to help shape cat and dog laws in NSW, with the NSW Government delivering on its election commitment to conduct a wide-ranging review of the Companion Animals Act 1998.
https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/nsw-pet-laws-go-under-the-microscope/
NSW pet laws go under the microscope—Office of Local Government NSW
Cited text: “However, the laws around pet ownership haven’t been reviewed in 20 years. “With pet ownership on the rise and increased pressure on council pounds an...
Excerpt: Pet owners and members of the public are being invited to help shape cat and dog laws in NSW, with the NSW Government delivering on its election commitment to conduct a wide-ranging review of the Companion Animals Act 1998.
https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/nsw-pet-laws-go-under-the-microscope/
10 Australia Pet Ownership Statistics & Facts: 2025 Update—Dogster
Cited text: Image from Dogster) ... With 28.7 million pets found in the country of Australia, it has some of the highest pet ownership rates in the world.
Excerpt: Australia has 28.7 million pets found in the country, some of the highest pet ownership rates in the world.
https://www.dogster.com/statistics/australia-pet-ownership-statistics
10 Australia Pet Ownership Statistics & Facts: 2025 Update—Dogster
Cited text: The ratio of pets to the human population in Australia is 101:100. This ratio means that there are more animal companions in Australia than there are ...
Excerpt: Australia has 28.7 million pets found in the country, some of the highest pet ownership rates in the world.
https://www.dogster.com/statistics/australia-pet-ownership-statistics
Eurobodalla Shire Council's one-rabbit policy breeds contempt on social media | PS News
Cited text: The rules for different animals are based on the risks they pose to public safety, the environment, biosecurity and high-value assets, such as gardens...
Excerpt: the rules for different animals are based on the risks they pose to public safety, the environment, biosecurity and high-value assets, such as gardens
https://psnews.com.au/eurobodalla-s...olicy-breeds-contempt-on-social-media/166019/
Eurobodalla Shire Council's one-rabbit policy breeds contempt on social media | PS News
Cited text: While there is no specific regulation under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 that covers the keeping of pet rabbits, the council said it was worth noting ...
Excerpt: While there is no specific regulation under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 that covers the keeping of pet rabbits, the council said it was worth noting it was illegal in Queensland under its Biosecurity Act.
https://psnews.com.au/eurobodalla-s...olicy-breeds-contempt-on-social-media/166019/
Eurobodalla Shire Council's one-rabbit policy breeds contempt on social media | PS News
Cited text: The council said ferrets were regulated under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015, which classified them as a notifiable pest, and their keeping was subject ...
Excerpt: While there is no specific regulation under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 that covers the keeping of pet rabbits, the council said it was worth noting it was illegal in Queensland under its Biosecurity Act.
https://psnews.com.au/eurobodalla-s...olicy-breeds-contempt-on-social-media/166019/
Responsible dog ownership in Eurobodalla: Council urges action | Bay Post-Moruya Examiner | Batemans Bay, NSW
Cited text: Over the past year, Eurobodalla rangers responded to 406 incidents involving irresponsible dog ownership, where dogs were not under effective control ...
Excerpt: Over the past year, Eurobodalla rangers responded to 406 incidents involving irresponsible dog ownership, where dogs were not under effective control—an average of more than one a day.
https://www.batemansbaypost.com.au/...wnership-in-eurobodalla-council-urges-action/
Pet Ownership Laws in Australia: Essential Legal Guide for New Owners
Cited text: Penalties: Fines for unregistered or unmicrochipped pets can exceed $330 per offence.
Excerpt: Fines for unregistered or unmicrochipped pets can exceed $330 per offence
https://petcareshed.com.au/blogs/pet-supplies/pet-ownership-laws-australia-guide
Pet-care practices research results for rabbit owners | Rabbits | Other pets | Animal Welfare Victoria | Livestock and animals | Agriculture Victoria
Cited text: Animal welfare shelters are full of rabbits that can't find homes.
Excerpt: Animal welfare shelters are full of rabbits that can't find homes
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/live...practices-research-results-for-rabbits-owners
Eurobodalla Shire Council's one-rabbit policy breeds contempt on social media | PS News
Cited text: “We encourage anyone concerned with the policy regarding rabbits, or any other animals, to make a submission about the policy,” the council said.
Excerpt: The council encourages anyone concerned with the policy regarding rabbits, or any other animals, to make a submission about the policy
https://psnews.com.au/eurobodalla-s...olicy-breeds-contempt-on-social-media/166019/
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