A RUSSELL Island resident says Redland City Council is “kidding itself” over its livestock rules after being ordered to remove her two miniature pygmy goats from her property.
Patricia Harris, who will become Patricia Zakrzewski later this month, said the goats are small, friendly, and safer for wildlife than traditional pets such as dogs or cats.
She said other councils in South East Queensland, including Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast, allow similar animals on much smaller blocks of land.
“These animals are docile, family-friendly, and a real bonus to the local ecosystem,” Ms Harris said.
“They help manage weeds naturally, reducing the need for noisy machinery or pesticides, which can damage protected trees and disturb wildlife.”
Ms Harris purchased her three-quarter-acre property in Kings Rd to provide a safe habitat for wildlife and is a registered wildlife carer.
Her property also contains two Conservation Protection Orders for mature trees.
She argues that Redland City Council’s current regulation, which classifies miniature goats as “livestock” requiring a minimum 4000sqm of land, is inconsistent with regulations for other small animals.
Chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys are allowed on significantly smaller blocks, despite being larger, noisier and potentially more aggressive than miniature goats.
Ms Harris said the approach was even harder to understand given that other types of “livestock” were already regulated by State Government authorities.
“There are long-standing regulatory procedures for livestock through government departments, so Council doubling up on those rules is totally unreasonable,” she said.
“Exotic birds and reptiles are also common household pets and are regulated by other government bodies – and Redland City Council leaves them alone.
“How is it that a regular house on a regular block can have 10 reptiles under a government permit, but you can’t have one miniature goat? It’s totally out of touch.
“Miniature goats are smaller than the average family dog, non-aggressive, and do not attack wildlife.
“Other councils recognise that small livestock should be treated differently, and the Miniature Goat Association recommends just 1000sqm per pair.”
Division 5 Councillor Shane Rendalls sympathises with Ms Harris and sees merit in a more flexible approach.
“Pets are an important part of our lives, and clearly there needs to be a bit more common sense,” Cr Rendalls said.
“Miniature goats are smaller and quieter than many dogs and less dangerous to people and wildlife than cats or dogs.
“Overall animal numbers and minimum residential lot sizes should be regulated, and residents should register goats with the Department of Primary Industry to mitigate livestock disease.
“But that doesn’t mean we can’t allow miniature goats for those who have the space and the care to keep them.”
A Redland City Council spokesperson said Council was reviewing the circumstances in relation to the matter, including the potential for amendments to local laws.
“Council is not aware of any specific provisions for miniature livestock that apply at other South East Queensland councils, but a comparison will be part of considerations for any potential amendment to local laws,” the spokesperson said.
“Council was already considering proposed amendments to Local Law 2 (Animal Management) 2015 and Subordinate Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) 2015, and a report will be brought to a future meeting of Council.”
