Bees

Beekeeper Registration
As part of the implementation of the Biosecurity Act 2019 (the Act), beekeeping is now considered a 'regulated dealing’ and under the Act, a person must not engage in a regulated dealing unless they are registered. Therefore, registration is now compulsory for all Tasmanian commercial and recreational beekeepers. This requirement was formalised in new Biosecurity Regulations 2022 which came into effect on 2 November 2022.

The requirement to register under the Act extends to beekeepers who were previously registered under the Animal Health Act 1995, more information about who needs to be registered and the conditions of registration can be found via the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Website beekeeper registration information. A direct link to the registration form can also be found here beekeeper registration form.

Livestock

Livestock includes cattle, horses, swine, sheep, goats and deer.  Rules relating to livestock on roads are covered in the Road Rules 2019 which is enforced by Tasmania Police.  For further information or to report livestock on roads please phone Council on 6323 9300 to speak with a Municipal Inspector.

Poultry

 If you do or are considering keeping poultry, please bear in mind the following:

• Do you have the time to clean the pen/s and maintain them regularly to prevent offensive odours?

• Do you have adequate room to prevent offensive odours?

• Is the position of the pen going to create a nuisance to your neighbours? e.g. smell or noise

The following are some tips to aid in the successful keeping of poultry:

• Ensure all food is stored and sealed in vermin proof container.

• Ensure adequate clean water and shelter is available at all times

• Regularly clean out the housing or yard to ensure all waste is removed and disposed of appropriately

• Do not wash waste products into adjoining properties or watercourses

• Do not overfeed or leave food scraps lying around which will attract vermin or nuisance bird species

• Ensure the land is adequately fenced and enclosures are constructed to exclude entry of vermin. For example, install vermin proof mesh under the floor of aviaries and poultry houses

• Limit the number of animals to a manageable size

• If you have a rooster, you MUST ensure it does not cause a noise nuisance to neighbours 

For more information or to discuss keeping poultry, please contact Council’s Environmental Health Department at our Riverside office on (03) 6323 9300.

Snakes

Tasmania has only three snake varieties - tiger, copperhead and white-lipped. All have the capability of inflicting a poisonous and potentially life threatening bite. If you do see a snake, stand still and it will most likely leave you alone.

Should a snake visit your house you can contact:

• Reptile Rescue Tasmania - 0499 116 690
• Griffin - 0459 162 723
• Ian Jessup - 0404 910 826  (Tamar & surrounds)
• Ashley Bishop - 0477 604 597  (Launceston & surrounds)
• Trent Williams - 0417 126 797  (Launceston & surrounds)
• Peter Vanderberg - 0413 671 927  (Launceston & surrounds)

they have the equipment and training to remove and release it safely into a suitable area.

Wildlife

There are significant numbers of roadkill on the roads in the West Tamar. The problem of reducing wildlife roadkill is a difficult issue for State and Local Governments to tackle; the onus is on individuals to change driving habits enough to give animals and birds a better chance of survival, especially when they are most active (early morning, dusk and night-time). It is important for all road users to stop where safe and always check any roadkill for offspring, and then move the body off to the side of the road.
If you find live offspring, please take the animal to a veterinarian or call the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Rescue Line 24 hours a day on 0447 264 625.