Cat proof exclusion fence

The Five Jems Subdivision

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council made a landmark decision in November 1996 to ban cats and dogs from the Five Jems subdivision at Waihi Beach. The Department of Conservation and Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society sought the ban to protect sensitive bird populations in a neighbouring salt marsh reserve.

Hunting dogs

Hunting dogs are allowed in areas damaged by pests such as goats and pigs, because they help control the problem.

Threatened species dogs

The Department of Conservation uses trained dogs to help find rare bird species. Use is rigidly controlled and dogs are muzzled.

Other restrictions

It's illegal under the Wildlife Act to own more than two ferrets, or keep possums or wallabies without a permit from the Department of Conservation.