An animal in the apparent ownership or control of a person should only come onto a private property with the occupier's permission. If permission is not given, or is given and withdrawn, the animal's presence may be a trespass and can be dealt with in the same way as trespass of an object - see Trespassers.

A person who owns or controls an animal is responsible for any damage caused if reasonable care is not taken to control the animal.

Animal includes all beasts, birds, reptiles, fish and insects.

Local councils have the power to make by-laws controlling the keeping of animals, and these vary from council to council. There are also provisions relating to the control and management of dogs and cats in the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA).

A breach of various provisions in the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA) can result in a fine or a court summons being issued to the offender - see Summary of offences and penalties under the Dog and Cat Management Act at September 2020.

Significant changes to the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA) commenced on 1 July 2017 and 1 July 2018 and these changes have been incorporated into this chapter where relevant.