Major reforms to South Australia’s dog and cat laws have passed Parliament, including a ban on puppy farms, tougher penalties for dog attacks, and expanded powers to control feral cats.
Puppy farms have been outlawed across the state, with the introduction of a new breeder licensing system that requires criminal background checks. Breeding animals without a licence could result in fines of up to $10,000.
The reforms also pave the way for limits, subject to further consultation, on the number of female animals used in breeding and the number of litters they can produce. Mandatory reporting of each litter has also been introduced.
Susan Close, Deputy Premier, said these important updates to the Dog and Cat Management Act will prevent puppy factories from being set up in South Australia.
“Everyone deserves to know that their new family puppy has come from a responsible breeder who cares for their animals and keeps them in good living conditions.”
Under the new laws, dog owners face fines of up to $25,000 if their pet seriously injures or kills a person or animal. If the dog is already under a dangerous dog order, the maximum fine doubles to $50,000. Owners who deliberately encourage their dogs to attack could face a $100,000 fine or up to four years in prison.
The changes come as 503 people presented to South Australian hospitals in 2024 following dog attacks, with another 1,200 incidents reported to councils.
“We have also introduced heavier penalties to help prevent violent dog attacks and increase the safety of all South Australians and their pets.
“The increased punishments for dog attacks will act as a strong deterrent and ensure that owners do all they can to control their dogs,” said Close.
Councils will also be able to issue control orders for dogs that repeatedly wander at large, with fines of up to $2,500 each time the dog breaches the order. The reforms aim to strengthen enforcement, including recognising dog control orders issued interstate.
Property owners in regional areas now have expanded rights to humanely control feral cats on their land, provided the property is more than one kilometre from a neighbouring residence.
“Feral cats are one of the biggest threats to native animals, killing more than 1.5 billion mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs and 1.1 billion invertebrates each year.
“The new abilities for property owners to undertake feral cat controls will help to protect our vital native wildlife,” said Close.
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