Please note: We have edited the below information to remove ambiguity around some of the legislation changes. If you require further clarification on the new laws, please contact the Dog and Cat Management Board
At Doghouse Daycare, we believe that all responsible dog owners should be aware of legislation changes that help keep our precious pooches and our communities, safe.
On Wednesday 21st June, the South Australian Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, announced new legislation and increased fines for dog owners in SA. These are the first changes to come from the reform of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, and the first time we are seeing fines and expiations increase since the legislation was first passed.
The new legislation comes into effect on 1st July 2017.
Some of the changes include:
- Failure to pick up after your dog will now attract a $210 expiation, up from $55.
- Excessive dog barking fines have gone up from $105 to $315 (with a maximum fine of $1250)
- Transporting unrestrained dogs on the tray of vehicles will come with a $210 fine (previously $105), with a maximum fine of $1250. There are exemptions to this.(Doghouse comment: We have edited this statement on 3.7.1.7 to clarify the legislation covers dogs travelling on the tray of vehicles only).
- Allowing your dog to attack, chase or menace another person or animal will be a $315 expiation, or $750 if your dog is a prescribed breed (American Pit Bull Terrier, Fila Braziliero, Japanese Tosa, Dog Argentinia, Presa Canario) (Doghouse comment: These are prescribed breeds per the legislation, and do not reflect our view of these breeds at all).
According to Dog and Cat Management Board Secretary Andrew Lamb, “The many benefits of dog and cat ownership come with responsibility. Not only do we need to properly care for our dogs and cats, but we need to think about the impact of our pets on our neighbours and local community.”
Don’t forget that you can purchase vehicle restraints, waste bags and leads at Doghouse Daycare.
We can advise on the right fit and size for your dog, and our experienced staff can also help guide you if your dog barks excessively, or exhibits behaviour that requires extra training.
Be ready for the changes on 1st July 2017, and contact us today for advice
For more information about the legislation changes, see http://dogandcatboard.com.au/news/new-dog-and-cat-laws-handy-overview
Yes I like the new laws but they are not policed. Everyday I see dog poo on the beach & footpaths but no one seems to care. I have never not picked up after any of my dogs. Got caught one day without a bag & I picked it up in a tissue. Please police it.
Thanks Jackie (for picking up poop and for your comment!) Here’s hoping we see some cleaner footpaths with the new laws! From the Doghouse team!
Is a dog that is confined to the back of a hyundai tucson enuf. or according to this legislation does more need to be done? He is also restrained by a lead fastened to a ring on the back of the rear seat?
Hi Meredith, we suggest that you speak to your local council or the offical Management Board about how you specifically transport your dog. The main reason for this is so that you can ask for a confirmation of the offical advice from the governing council, (even if it is via email) and keep a copy for the future. Thanks, The Doghouse Daycare team
I got caught out one day not having poop bags, a pair of my running socks made the ultimate sacrifice.
I have 2 boxers that I transport around in my boot of my Mazda cx 5 – unrestrained – they don’t climb over seats etc and sit nicely whilst driving is this illegal ?
Hi Angela, thanks for your message. Our understanding is that your dogs would still need restraints, even though they are well behaved and sit nicely. One of the reasons would be for safety- should you be in an accident, your dogs would move in the backseat due to the impact, and could injure themselves and/or other passengers. In saying this, it is best to contact the official Management Board (link at the end of our blog) for offical advice, as the above is only our suggestion. Thanks, the Doghouse team
What about dogs in back of station wagons ?
Hi Helen, because the legislation changes are new, it is best to contact the offical Management Board about how you specifically transport your dogs. We also suggest ask for a confirmation of the offical advice you receive (even if it is via email) and keep a copy for the future, so you are safeguarded from any penalties as you travel through the State! Thanks, The Doghouse Daycare team
And aren’t there other legislations that they are bringing in that people should know about?
Hi Fran, There are lots of changes to the legislation and all info can be found on the website we have linked to. We have just pulled out some information, but of course there are full details available online!
Great. I can start by giving you guys two adreases including one with 5 dogs inside the property constantly barking.
Haha thanks Victor! I’m sure your local council would love to hear from you 🙂 good luck, from the Doghouse team
I think these changes are wonderful news. May help stop puppy farms and make more people responsible dog owners
What about bloodily cats being registered and confined to their yards..sick and tired of finding paw prints and stretches on my cars and bikes..even in the sheds…if dog owners have to be responsible so do cat owners..and finding their droppings in sand pits. Yuk
Just wondering what is the fine if your dog is attached while on a leash by another dog that is not restrained and the owner leaves
I have a large dog who is restrained but I have had issues while out walking of other people letting their little dogs run everywhere and harass my dog. Owners not caring and ignoring the situation. So I would like to know if my dog is restrained but being hassled by an unrestrained dog and she did something like defend herself who would get the fine?
Hi Narelle, the particular law that you are referring to is a tricky one. As dog lovers, owners and trained professionals, we completely agree that different dogs, of different sizes, behave differently. For clarification, perhaps contact the Dog and Cat Management Board for advice, especially if you are visiting dog parks where dogs are off the leash and the environment is not policed by an offical body! Remember to keep a copy of their feedback on file , should you ever need to refer to it (though we hope your dog remains safe and happy!) We’d be interested to hear their advice Narelle!
Thats good news for slack dog owners however; what about cats?? They pee on your car, spray the front door, fight all night with another Tomcat and RSPCA don’t respond, SAPOL doesn’t want to know about
It so it becomes a bitter disagreement with these people of the cat owners…’
Hi Larry, There may be some information about cat legislation updates. We suggest you check out the Dog and Cat Management Board (via the link at the bottom of our article) for details. If not, contact your local council for information on how they handle such issues as the councils are now taking more and more responsibilities, according to the latest press release! Thanks, The Doghouse Daycare team
Hi Robbie, how much are the dog car restraints for Georgie & Star size. I must look I may have some just not sure.
Thanks for the info I appreciate it.
Hi Tracey, We will give you a call to discuss. Thanks, The Doghouse team
Breed specific is wrong. I have a bull breed and I worry more about the small aggressive dogs than mine. I never allow my dog off leash and everyday I have to worry about off leash dogs attacking mine or me. There should have been tough penalties for any off leash dog. This is a major concern for most people.
Hi Janet,
We totally agree that not all dogs behave the same, regardless of breed or size. To confirm, we only provided information that was supplied in the legislation update as we felt dog owners should be aware of the changes. It does not reflect our opinion of these breeds at all! We hope this clarifies your concern. Thanks, The Doghouse team
In RAAs Autumn magazine ,10 road rules answered, Q ,does my pet need to be restrained in the car .A ,Surprisingly there are no official rules saying you have to restrain your pet inside the car, in back of utes ,yes ,not allowed on lap ,The RAA does recommend you do though ,,, ?????????
Hi Phil, It is interesting that the RAA Magazine has not included this information. The information we have provided is based on the updates from the Dog and Cat Management Board and the Minister’s Office. We would still suggest contacting your local council, or even the RAA to answer any questions you many have. Thanks, The Doghouse team
UPDATE: Hi Phil, you (and the RAA) are 100% right- the legislation refers to dogs travelling in the back of utes. We have updated the info provided accordingly, after confirming with authorities. Thanks