Horses can be kept in backyards in the ACT providing certain guidelines are
followed:
- Horses MUST be kept at least 12 meters from any house, hospital or school.
- Large bins with close fitting lids are to be provided for the daily
reception of all manure and refuse, including . damp stable bedding and feed
waste. The contents shall be removed as often as is considered necessary to
prevent nuisance being created and disposed of in such a manner as to prevent
the breeding of flies (i.e. buried in the garden or placed in a proper compost
bin, or removed to an approved tip).
- Animal feed is to be kept in approved receptacles having close fitting
lids and be raised 100mm off the ground to prevent access to vermin.
- All necessary steps for the control of insects and vermin are to be taken
and any conditions that are favourable to the breeding and existence of
insects and vermin are to be prevented.
- Premises are to be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and be
kept free from odours.
- The enclosure in which the horse is kept should have a graded surface to
prevent the accumulation of liquid and be constructed so as not to cause a
dust nuisance to neighbouring premises.
- Where it is proposed to keep a horse within a distance of 12 meters from
any dwelling, house, hospital or school building an application must be made
to obtain the written permission of the Medical Officer of Health.
These guidelines are supported by legislation which is found in regulations
7(1) & (2), 8, 10 (1), (2) & (3), and 11 of the Public Health Act 1928 (ACT),
General Sanitation Regulations.
For further information or advice on the suitability of premises for keeping
horses ring: Public and Environmental Health Service Department of Health GPO
Box 825 Canberra ACT 2671 Phone: 205-1700, fax: 205-1705
