Dog Management
Current Impounded Dogs
PUBLIC NOTICE OF DETENTION OF DOG
Under Section 60 of the Dog & Cat Management Act 1995
There are currently no dogs impounded.
Dog Registrations & Responsibilities
On 1st July 2018, the amended Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 came into effect which requires that all dog and cat owners, breeders in South Australia to :
Complete registrations and renewals online
Mandatory micro-chipping of dogs and cats by 12 weeks of age, this applies to new and existing pets - unless exempted by a vet.
Compulsory de-sexing of all dogs and cats born after 1st July 2018 must be desexed by six (6) months of age - unless exempted by a vet. Any other animal not desexed that changes ownership after this date, must be sterlisied within 28 days of the ownership transfer.
All breeders who sells a dog or cat must register with the Dog and Cat Management Board as a breeder
Introduction of a statewide database, called Dogs and Cats Online (DACO)
Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) is a new online service that links dog and cat registrations and details (including microchipping and dexesing), control orders, accredited assistance dogs, racing greyhounds, and registered breeders. Users and owners have 24/7 access to their personal details and dog and cat information including registration payments, microchipping and desexing information.
The new DACO system replaces the 68 individual council registers and will assist councils, shelters and the general public in reuniting lost pets with their owners. For more information please visit www.dogandcatboard.com.au.
Registrations
It is a requirement for every dog over the age of 3 months to be registered.
Dog and cat registrations in South Australia are required to be renewed annually - between 1 July and 31 August on the Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) statewide database.
To register a new dog you can log into DACO and provide the details. If you have never owned a dog before you will need to create an account. Please see www.dogsandcatsonline.com.au for further instructions.
DACO gives dogs and cats an individual permanent registration number and lifetime tag. This means that you will not get a new registration disc each year. This number is carried with the animal for life regardless of a change of ownership or Council area.
If your registration disc has been damaged or lost you are able to purchase a new disc from the DACO website under your pets registration for a fee of $10. Alternatively if you do not wish to use the supplied disc you may purchase a metal disc from elsewhere and have it engraved with the dogs registration number.
Keeping Dog Registration Details up to Date
It is the owners responsbility to ensure your dog’s address and other details are up to date in DACO, including the event when the dog passes away, is missing for more than seventy-two (72) hours, is given to a new owner or is surrendered to the RSPCA or Animal Welfare League.
Understanding Fees
The Dog and Cat Management Act defines two categories of dogs, standard and non-Standard dogs:
- A standard dog is both microchipped and desexed meaning you receive a discounted registration fee.
- A non-standard dog is not microchipped and/or desexed attracting a full registration fee.
Concessions are available for working dogs and concession cards.
Further Information
Further information is available on the Council's:
Dog Control Orders and Expiation Fees
Dog Control Orders
Council has the ability to issue various dog control orders with the aim of removing risk or altering behaviour. Requirements of orders vary and reflect the actions required to ensure a previous incident is not repeated. Failure to comply with a Dog Control Order is an offence.
Barking Dog – Barking Dog Orders are applicable for dogs that cause a nuisance and have created noise by barking or otherwise in circumstances that would constitute an offence.
Requirements of a barking dog order – All reasonable steps are to be taken to prevent the dog repeating the behaviour again.
Nuisance Dog – Nuisance Dog Orders are applicable for dogs that persistently escape and are at large, are allowed to wander or perhaps consistently bother someone.
Requirements of a nuisance dog order – The dog must be registered and kept inside or in a fenced yard approved by an Animal Management Officer and must be on a lead at all times when in public. The owner must ensure that the dog cannot repeat the behaviour again.
Menacing Dog – Menacing Dog Orders are applicable for dogs that behave in a manner that a reasonable person would think the dog would attack, harass or chase if given the opportunity. The dog has not caused harm but the potential to cause harm is real and evident.
Requirements of a Menacing dog order – The dog must be microchipped, registered and wear a dangerous dog collar at all times. It must be kept inside or in a fenced yard and on a lead and muzzled when in a public place. The owner must ensure the dog cannot repeat the behaviour again.
Dangerous Dog – Dangerous Dog Orders are applicable for dogs that have caused harm and pose a threat to the public. This order is to be applied where a dog has been found to have attacked and is considered dangerous.
Requirements for a Dangerous Dog order – The dog must be desexed, microchipped, registered and wear a dangerous dog collar at all times. A dangerous dog warning sign must be displayed prominently at all entrances to the property. The dog must be kept inside or in a fenced yard and on a lead and muzzled when in a public place. The dog and owner must successfully complete an approved training course specific to the Order and the owner must ensure the dog cannot repeat the behaviour again.
Destruction – Destruction orders are applicable for dogs that have caused significant harm and that are likely to do so again. The act refers to such dogs as being “unduly” dangerous. The public threat posed by such dogs is unacceptable.
Requirements of a Destruction order – The dog is to be destroyed and until destroyed must be kept at a place approved by Council.
Wandering at Large - Dogs that wander on the streets or in public areas without an owner present are referred to as dogs “wandering at large.” These dogs cause a nuisance, are often distressed, may cause property damage and may attack or harass people or other animals. In some cases they cause road accidents resulting in injury to the dog and on occasion to vehicle occupants. All of which becomes the responsibility of the owner of the dog.
There are many reasons why a dog wanders including behavioural traits for example looking for a mate or simply poor fencing at home or a gate left open by a visitor. In most instances if the dog is registered it can be returned to its owner. It also assists identification if your dog wears a collar with registration disc and has a nametag with your mobile phone number.
Dog Expiations
For the purpose of managing animals within the community, Council staff are required to issue Expiation Notices in accordance with the requirements of the following:
Penalties
All fees associated with offences against the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 are determined by the state government and reviewed annually. Councils do not set or have input into the fee structure.
Examples of common expiation fees for 2023/2024:
- Owner of an unregistered dog - $170
- Owner of dog wandering at large - $210
- Dog or cat not microchipped - $170
- Certain dog or cat to be desexed - $170
- Dog in school premises - $315
- Owner of or responsible for dog causing nuisance by barking - $315
- Owner or responsible for a dog which attacks or harasses a person or animal - $315
Some offences, such as unregistered dog, may result in subsequent expiation notices being issued if the offence has not been rectified.
Disputing an Expiation Notice
If you believe the expiation issued is incorrect, unfair or where there is a legitimate reason for the offence you may lodge a dispute.
Should you intend to lodged a dispute, must be done in writing prior to the due date on a signed Statutory Declaration Form - State of South Australia - Oaths Act 1936
with supporting evidence.
Further details are provided in the - Disputing your Expiation Notice - Information Sheet.
How to Pay your Expiation Notice
Payment of an expiation notice may be made in full:
- in person - with cash, credit card, cheque or money order at the Kadina office
- by post - by cheque or money order
- by phone - by MasterCard or Visa Card.
Failure to Pay your Expiation Notice
A reminder fee/late payment fee will be added to any expiation if payment is not received by the due date.
Failure to pay an expiation may result in the expiation being referred to the State Government - Fine Enforcement and Recovery Unit (FERU).
Once the outstanding expiation notice has been referred to FERU, Council has no further control against the expiation and all contact must be made direct with FERU. 1800 659 538.
FERU adds enforcement fees to the expiation. Should the fine continue to be ignored and remain outstanding, FERU has the authority to suspend the responsible person’s driver’s licence.
Further information can be found at http://www.fines.sa.gov.au/
Doggy Doo Bag Dispensers
An interactive map showing the locations of the Doggy Doo Bag dispensers on the Copper Coast can be found by clicking here.
Fees and Charges
Please refer to Council's Fees and Charges for all fees associated with a dog found wandering at large.
Fees may include:
- Seizure fee
- First day impound fee
- Subsequent day(s) impounding fee
- If a wandering dog is unregistered it is required to be registered prior to release.
- All fees are required to be paid prior to release of the animal.
Further Information
If you have lost your pet, Council encourages you to also contact:
- RSPCA on 1300 477 722
- Your local vet
- Neighbouring Council's
- Check social media lost and found pet pages
Emergency and Useful Contacts and Numbers
Copper Coast Council - Animal Control Officer
- (08) 88281 200 (office hours and after hours)
- email info@coppercoast.sa.gov.au
Animal Welfare League (AWL)
- (08) 8348 1300
RSPCA
- 1300 477 722
Dog and Cats Online www.dogsandcatsonline.com.au
- Search for Lost Animals = tag/registration number or microchip number required.
Local Animal Shelters
- YP Puppy Rescue www.yppuppyrescue.com
- Little Claws Rescue www.littleclawsrescue.com
Local Veterinary Clinics
- YP Vets - (08) 8821 3350
- Seaside Vet Surgery - (08) 8823 3233
Social media sites
Websites
- Lost Pets www.lostpetfinders.com.au