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Dogs & Cats
Dog Registration
In accordance with the Dog and Cat Management Act any person responsible for the control of dogs, must ensure that dogs are registered as follows:
1. All dogs aged three months or more and not previously registered must be registered within fourteen (14) days of ownership.
2. Registration of all previously registered dogs expires annually on the 30th June, and must be renewed by 31st August each year.
Penalty for keeping an unregistered dog is $80.00.
FEES:
Dog used for droving or tending stock $11.00
Dog owned by a "Prescribed Person", eg Pensioners, Benefit Card holders etc $17.50
All other dogs $35.00
A concession of 40% applies to desexed dogs. Concessions also apply to microchipped and/or trained dogs. Written proof must be provided at the time of registration.
Greyhounds registered with the SA Greyhound Racing Board are $15.20; and dogs used for the blind and therapeutic services are free of registration fees.
Dogs Wandering at Large
Dog owners are reminded that under the Dog & Cat Management Act, 1995 it is an offence to allow a dog to be at large, whether the dog is registered or not.
A dog is deemed to be wandering at large when it is unaccompanied by a responsible person who can exercise effective control over the animal.
Effective control is when the dog is on a leash that is no more than 2 metres in length. Please note that under amendments to the Dog and Cat Management Act all dogs that are on public land MUST be on a leash.
The owner or person responsible for a dog that is found wandering at large will be expiated a fee of $80.00 for the offence.
Complaints and/or enquiries about dogs should be advised in writing or by telephone to the General Inspector, Rob Baker or to Council's Registrar of Dogs, Leith McEvoy on (08) 8721 0444.
Dog Attacks on Livestock
Council is having an increased number of dog attacks on livestock being brought to its attention.
Under the Dog and Cat Management Act (D.& C.M. Act) all dog owners or person/persons responsible for the animal have an obligation to keep the dog under "effective control" at all times. If this does not occur there are several remedies that can be applied. Expiations of $210.00 may be applied to the owner of any dog found harassing livestock.
If you have any concerns of this nature please do not hesitate to bring them to Council's attention by contacting the Registrar of Dogs or General Inspector on (08) 8721 0444.
Barking Dogs
As dog owners we are responsible for the care and well being of our pets but sometimes we forget that our dogs can effect other peoples lives as well as our own.
Complaints due to excessive barking are amongst the most frequent received by Council. If your dog barks excessively you may be guilty of an offence and you may be fined or have a Control (Barking Dog) Order placed on your dog under the Dog and Cat Management Act, 1995.
Some causes of excessive barking are:
- Boredom
- Children or others teasing them
- Hostile neighbours
- Separation anxiety
- Changes to a dogs life or lifestyle
- Possible health issues
- Distraction
- Breeding
Council has some excellent literature available if you think your dog is barking excessively and could cause nuisance. Remember, it is much easier to deal with the problem before it develops to a stage where a formal complaint is lodged with Council.
Click on the files below for further information that could affect your dog:
Lost Dogs
Please contact the Animal Welfare League on 8723 9133 to check whether your lost dog has been impounded, or visit the dogs-impounded at quick link section, to view photographs and/or descriptions of all dogs that have been picked up.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 9.00am - 11.00am, 4.00pm - 5.00pm
Weekends 9.00 am - 12.00 pm
Cats
Council has resolved not to be actively involved in Cat Management. However, leaflets dealing with cat issues are available from the Council Office.
Cats, although often quite independent, need to be looked after in much the same way as dogs.
Some useful tips are:
- Desexing
Sterilisation is highly recommended for any cat before it reaches sexual maturity which can be as early as four to five months. There are usually more kittens born than there are homes for them, so don't let your feline family member add to the growing problem of homeless and unwanted cats.
- Identification
Although it is not compulsory for you to identify your cat, an ID tag could save your cats life, as when off your property it could be trapped and removed as a stray.
- Vaccination and Worming
When you obtain your kitten or cat, find out if it has been vaccinated and ask for a vaccination certificated. If your cat has not been vaccinated take it to your local vet for a health check. Your vet will advise if it needs vaccination and how regularly this should be done.
Cats can suffer from several types of worms and parasites so they need regular worming treatment. Ask your local vet about a suitable worming program, as some worms are know to affect human health.
- Safety
All pet cats should be encouraged to stay indoors from dusk until dawn. This saves your cat from war wounds and abscesses that result from nocturnal cat fights. This action will safeguard both native wildlife and your cat from storms or being run over, and your neighbours will appreciate not having to endure the noise of cats having a "fun night out".
