What if a dog wanders off?

If a dog is found to be wandering at large, then an authorised person (of the Dog and Cat Management Board or a local council) can seize the dog (see Seizure and destruction of dogs) and issue the owner or person responsible for the dog with an expiation notice or a summons to answer a charge and pay a fine [Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA) s 43].

Maximum Penalty:

For a dangerous or prescribed breed of dog

For any other dog: $2,500 fine

Expiation fee:

For a dangerous or prescribed breed of dog: $750

For any other dog: $210

A dog is considered to be wandering at large if it is

It is a defence to this charge if the defendant can prove that they had taken all reasonable steps to prevent the dog from wandering at large [s 43(2)].

Where a person is found guilty of a subsequent offence, the court may order that the dog be disposed of within a specified period [s 43(3)].

What is “effective control”?

A dog is considered to be under effective control by means of physical restraint if on a leash chain or cord no more than two metres in length, or secured in a cage, vehicle or other object or structure [s 8].

Can I search an online register for a lost dog or cat?

Yes. Dogs and Cats Online has a search function available to search their register for a lost animal, by either the animal's registration number or microchip number. The register can be searched via the Dogs and Cats Online website.