Bird Laws in Tasmania: What Launceston Owners Can and Cannot Do

Launceston Bird Proofing is a referral service and does not give legal advice. This is general information from official sources, captured 2 November 2026. Check current law with NRE Tas before acting.

Native birds are protected

• Tasmania's Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulations 2021 list protected wildlife in Schedule 1. Native birds such as the Welcome Swallow, wattlebirds, silvereye and native pigeons and doves appear there.
• A person must not take or possess protected wildlife, or a product of protected wildlife, unless authorised by a licence or permit. The maximum fine is 100 penalty units (regulation 19).
• In practice: do not remove or disturb an active native nest, its eggs or chicks. Wait until breeding has finished, then proof so the birds nest elsewhere.
• Whether an empty native nest counts as a regulated "product" is not something we can confirm. Ask NRE Tas Wildlife Services (03 6165 4305) if in doubt.

Introduced pest birds

• Feral pigeons, common starlings and house sparrows do not appear on Tasmania's protected-wildlife schedules. The domestic pigeon is listed separately as domestic stock.
• They can generally be excluded by proofing at any time, provided no bird is trapped or harmed unnecessarily.
• The Indian myna is a restricted animal in Tasmania and is not established here. Report sightings to Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777.

Animal welfare applies to every bird

The Animal Welfare Act 1993 makes it an offence to cause an animal unreasonable and unjustifiable pain or suffering. Poisoning, shooting, gluing or trapping birds inside a roof are not acceptable DIY methods. Lethal control by businesses is regulated, uses registered products, and is outside what we refer.

Sources

• Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulations 2021 (as made): https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/sr-2021-093
• Nature Conservation Act 2002: https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-2002-063
• NRE Tas, Indian myna: https://nre.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/invasive-animals/invasive-birds/indian-myna
• NRE Tas Wildlife Services: https://nre.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/forms-permits-and-fees/special-purposes-wildlife-permit-to-possess-protected-wildlife
• Animal Welfare Act 1993 (Tas): https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-1993-063