Pigeons

You must obtain approval from the City of Wanneroo before keeping pigeons on your property. Find out who can keep pigeons, how many are permitted, the requirements for pigeon lofts and exercise, and how to apply.

Approval to keep pigeons 

Before a person may keep pigeons on a property, a Certificate of Registration must first be obtained. This involves lodging an application with the City. The applicant is required to obtain the written opinion of their neighbours, which will be taken into account when processing the application to allow the keeping of pigeons. This law also addresses the issue of numbers of pigeons, loft construction and flight times.

A pigeon sitting on a red box

Approval limitations

Unless approved prior to the commencement of the City of Wanneroo Animal Local Law 1999 pigeons are not to be kept on a property of less than 600m2. 

Limit on number of pigeons:

  • Subject to obtaining a Certificate of Registration, the maximum number of pigeons which may be kept on a property is 20, excluding young birds; and

  • However should a person be a financial member of a recognised incorporated racing body or a registered pigeon financer, permission to keep 150 pigeons excluding young birds may be given.

Exercise of pigeons 

The exercise of pigeons must be in compliance with the Code of Practice for Pigeon Keeping and Racing in Western Australia: 

  • Racing or homing pigeons can only be released for exercise between sunrise and 9am and between 3.30pm and 7pm as outlined in the code of practice;

  • Free-flight exercise is to be on a planned basis, with duration time typically from 30 to 90 minutes and performed to a maximum of twice daily;

  • No more than 60 registered racing/homing pigeons are to be released for exercise at any one time;

  • Only a pigeon keeper registered with the City may release pigeons for exercise; and 

  • A registered Certificate holder releasing pigeons must practice the no aerial soiling policy and discourage roof sitting. 

The City may amend conditions on a certificate of registration to minimise any nuisance associated with the keeping of pigeons.

Cage, enclosure or loft requirements 

A cage, enclosure or loft must blend in with its surrounds, be constructed of new material and have the following minimum requirements: 

  • Floor to have a minimum of 50mm thick concrete;

  • Cladding of the loft, including roof, to be a smooth material;

  • Loft height is not to exceed 2.4m;

  • Where the loft roof has a gable the height shall not exceed three metres ; and

  • Building approval required for structures a minimum of 3m x 3m x 2.1m high. 

A loft is not to be located nearer than: 

  • 1.2m from the boundary of any adjacent land; 

  • 9m from any dwelling or food premises; and 

  • 9m from any road reserve or street.

How to apply for a certificate of registration 

Any person who wishes to keep pigeons on their property should apply in writing to the City. The following information must be attached before the issuing of a Certificate of Registration is considered: 

  • The relevant application form is to be filled in correctly;

  • Name and contact number of the person applying to keep pigeons;

  • Address of the person applying to keep pigeons and addresses where the pigeons will be kept;

  • Plan of the premises showing the location of the pigeon loft in relation to all other buildings, structures and fences;

  • Plans and specifications of the proposed loft;

  • Written opinion of all owner/occupiers whose land is adjacent to the land where the pigeons are to be kept;

  • The proposed number of adult pigeons to be kept; and 

  • Relevant application fee. 

If you intend to keep more than 20 pigeons or wish to release the pigeons for exercise, evidence will be required to be provided indicating that you are a current financial member of a recognised incorporated racing pigeon body or evidence that you are a registered pigeon fancier. 

An annual renewal form is required to be submitted each year to renew the Certificate of Registration, once issued, however no annual fees apply.

To apply:

  • Option 1 – In person: Download and complete the Application for Registration of a Premises for Keeping Pigeons (PDF), see below, then submit it at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm. Payments can be made by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, Visa or Mastercard. 
  • Option 2 – By email: Download and complete the Application for Registration of a Premises for Keeping Pigeons (PDF), see below, then email it to health@wanneroo.wa.gov.au. Payment can be made by calling 9405 5285 (Visa or Mastercard). Credit card payments incur a 0.22% surcharge (incl GST). Processing may take up to 28 days. 

Application for Registration of a Premises for Keeping Pigeons (PDF)

Alteration, cancellation or refusal of certificate of registration

At any time the local government may amend the conditions contained in or relating to a certificate of registration and without limiting the generality of the same, where any complaint of a nuisance is received, the local government may vary the hours for release of pigeons and impose any other conditions deemed necessary to minimise any nuisance from the keeping of pigeons or any associated activity. The local government may cancel, refuse to approve or refuse to renew certificate of registration for any one or more of the following reasons: 

  • Land not maintained in accordance with this local law; 

  • Cages, enclosures or loft have fallen into disrepair, are unclean or infested with vectors of disease; 

  • Pigeons are being released outside the times permitted; 

  • A condition imposed in accordance with this local law or a certificate of registration has not been complied with in the time limits set out for doing so; 

  • Applicant or holder of the certificate of registration as the case may be, has two or more convictions under the City of Wanneroo Animal Local Law 1999; or 

  • Non payment of registration fees.