If you’re among the many South Australians who own or breed dogs or cats, the new dog and cat management laws set to be introduced into South Australia on 1 July 2018 will affect you. These changes, which include new requirements for microchipping and desexing, will now be compulsory.
The changes to the law are designed to increase the likelihood of lost or impounded dogs and cats being reunited with their owners, and reduce the number of unwanted and abandoned litters euthanised in pounds and shelters.
For Owners
• All dogs and cats must now be microchipped before they are sold or in any event by three months of age;
• All dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed before 6 months of age (Exemptions apply for working dogs, registered breeders)
A new website, Dogs and Cats Online (DACO), will be implemented in South Australia to manage dog, cat and breeder registration.
The desexing regulations do not apply in relation to an animal welfare organisation, a dog or cat that belongs to a person registered as a breeder, or a dog or cat that is not usually kept within the State.
For Breeders and Sellers
• Any party who breeds dogs and/or cats for sale must now be registered with the Dog and Cat Management Board (DCMB) as a breeder; and
• The laws and regulations now stipulate that breeder, microchipping, desexing and vaccination information must be included in all advertisements for the sale of a dog or cat.
From 1 July, failing to desex and microchip dogs and cats in accordance with the laws and regulations will be considered an offence, with fines ranging from $2500 to $5000.
Discount Microchipping
While the new desexing requirement only affects dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018, all dogs and cats must be microchipped by this date.
Microchipping is a safe and permanent way to identify your dog and cat. The procedure is quick, with no ongoing discomfort and can only be carried out by a trained, authorised implanter. Discount microchipping days are offered throughout the state at various times of the year. Visit chipblitz.com for more details.
New fines and expiations
From 1 July 2017, many fines and expiations for irresponsible dog and cat owners will increase.
These tougher penalties, along with increased council powers to investigate and prosecute offenses, including the ability to seize evidence and compel owners to give their name and address, will help address the problem of dog attacks, and remind owners of their legal responsibilities.
What follows is an example of how the new penalties compare to the old fine structure. Additional fines will take effect in mid 2018 when rules regarding microchipping, breeder registration and desexing begin.
Penalties – Old V New:
Allowing a dog to harass, attack or chase another person or animal:
• Old expiation: $210
• New expiation: $315 ($750 for prescribed breeds)
• Old maximum penalty: $2500
• New maximum penalty: $2500 ($5000 for prescribed breeds)
Dog wandering at large
• Old expiation: $80 ($210 prescribed breeds)
• New expiation: $210 ($750 prescribed breeds)
• Old maximum penalty: $250 ($2500 prescribed breeds)
• New maximum penalty: $2500 ($5000 prescribed breeds)
Excessive dog barking
• Old Expiation: $105
• New expiation: $315
• Old maximum penalty: $750
• New maximum penalty: $1250
Failure to register your dog
• Old expiation: $80 ($210 prescribed breeds)
• New expiation: $170 ($750 prescribed breeds)
• Old maximum penalty: $250 ($2500 prescribed breeds)
• New maximum penalty: $2500 ($5000 prescribed breeds)
Transporting unrestrained dogs on the tray of vehicles (exemptions apply)
• Old expiation: $105
• New expiation: $210
• Old maximum penalty: $750
• New maximum penalty: $1250