Help make paw-sitive changes for dogs and cats

Calling all pet lovers!

You’re invited to have your say on proposed changes to dog and cat management laws in South Australia that will enhance the safety, welfare, and responsible ownership of our beloved furry companions.

Let’s explore what’s those changes are.

One significant proposal aims to strengthen penalties for dog attacks, particularly those resulting in serious injury or even death. Owners could face fines of up to $25,000, and for dogs under dangerous dog orders, this could escalate to $50,000. An owner found encouraging aggressive behaviour may face fines of up to $100,000 or even jail.

These proposed changes are also about preventing animal cruelty and neglect. A pivotal step forward is the ban on puppy farms, coupled with the implementation of a rigorous breeder licensing scheme limiting breeding programs to 50 female animals.

Under the proposed laws, breeders will be subject to strict regulations and assessments. Mandatory criminal background checks, fines of up to $10,000 for unlicensed operations, and strict limits on litter numbers per female dog are among the measures aimed at ensuring responsible breeding practices.

This initiative will bring South Australia in line with Victoria as the strictest jurisdiction for breeding programs in the nation.

Additionally, dog control orders placed on pet owners who move to South Australia will be better recognised and enforced.

And there's good news for retired racing greyhounds - no more muzzles in public which brings greyhound adoption rules in line with those for other dogs.

Councils are also getting more power to manage wandering dogs, with increased penalties for persistent offenders.

To have your say on the Dog and Cat Management Act visit: https://yoursay.sa.gov.au/breeder-reforms

For more blogs on our furry friends, find out Helpful tips so we can all be ‘dog safe’ and What to expect when you’re expecting a dog.