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New laws - What you need to know
New laws for cat and dog owners come into effect on 1 July 2018
The laws and rules include:
- Mandatory microchipping of cats and dogs
- Desexing of dogs and cats born after the 1 July 2018
- New rules for breeders who sell dogs and cats
- Introduction of a statewide database, called Dogs and Cats Online.
These new laws will simplify microchip registration (and updating), make it easier to reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners, help identify and put a
stop to 'kitten' farms and reduce euthanasia rates
Read the amended Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 here
Read the amended Dog and Cat Management Regulations 2017 here
New laws - better outcomes
Following a long public consultation process, South Australia has new laws for the management of companion dogs and cats. The amended Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, and new Dog and Cat Management Regulations, represent the biggest change to the state's dog and cat laws in more than 20 years. The new laws also provide for much tighter management of cats. Cat owners can read more, at goodcatsa.com.au.
Timeline
These changes to the law are being phased in, which means some new laws are already in place, while others will not take effect until 1 July 2018.
The changes, and when they begin.
1 July 2017
- Increased council powers to investigate and prosecute breaches of the Act
- Increased fines and penalties for those who break the law
1 August 2017
- New standards and guidelines for anyone who breeds or sells dogs or cats.
1 July 2018
- All owned dogs and cats must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age
- All dogs and cats (born after 1 July 2018) must be desexed by 6 months of age. Exemptions apply for registered breeders, working livestock dogs, etc. Desexing deferments available for larger breeds
- All breeders will be required to register with the Dog and Cat Management Board. They will then be issued with an official breeder registration number.
- New rules for anyone selling a litter, including a requirements list contact details and an official breeder number in advertisements.
Background
South Australia's new dog and cat laws are based on extensive consultation, stretching back to 2014, including a citizens' jury process, and several rounds of public consultation.