Rabbit Advocacy Animal Matters

 

Rabbits: Livestock, the City of Surrey, British Columbia

Livestockhttp://www.surrey.ca/bylaws-policies-licenses/4701.aspx

The Zoning By-law regulates the number of animals (livestock, goats, chickens, etc.) permitted on properties in the City of Surrey.  There are specific zones for agricultural uses, which permit the raising of livestock without limiting the number of animals on the property.  On larger pieces of residential properties there are some provisions to own and house animals.   

Properties zoned RA, RH, RF or RF-SS that are at least 0.4 hectare (1 acre) in size are allowed: 

  •  Two (2) livestock for every 0.4 hectare (1 acre)
  •  Six (6) sheep or goats for every 0.4 hectare (1 acre)
  •  Twelve (12) head of poultry, excluding roosters, for every 0.4 hectare (1 acre)
  •  Rabbits and chinchillas, for every 0.4 hectare (1 acre).  If the property is less than 0.4 hectare (1 acre) two (2) rabbits or chinchillas are permitted  

Owners of livestock and domestic animals must ensure that the animals are contained (through fencing, etc.) on their property.  If an animal is found “at large," it may be impounded.  An animal is “at large” when it is not on a leash under the care and control of a competent person and is off the property it resides on.   

All animal owners in Surrey are responsible for the care and welfare of the animals they own. This includes providing adequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care and living conditions. Below are the minimum standards that an animal owner is responsible for:

  •  Water must be clean and potable.
  •  Enough food must be provided for normal growth and maintenance of normal body weight.
  • If the animal is outside, adequate shelter must be provided. The width of the shelter should be 1.5 times the length of the animal, and the height should be the height of the animal plus 10%.  It must be appropriate to the size and coat of the animal and protect against heat, cold and wet conditions. The shelter should provide shade from sun at all times.
  •  Living areas must be regularly cleaned and sanitized, with excrement removed at least once daily.
  •  Adequate exercise to maintain good health.
  •  Adequate veterinary care.
  •  Animals cannot be tethered directly or tethered to a choke chain.
  •  Animals cannot be enclosed in a confined space, including vehicles, without adequate ventilation.