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) 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 [see s 43 Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA)].
Maximum Penalty:
For a dangerous or prescribed dog
Expiation fee:
Dangerous or prescribed dog: $750.
Any other dog: $210.
A dog is considered to be “wandering at large” if it is in a public place (not a park) or on private property without the occupier’s consent, without anyone exercising effective control of the dog by means of physical restraint [s 7].
A dog is considered to be “wandering at large” in a public park if no one is exercising effective control of the dog either by means of physical restraint or by command; the dog being close to and within sight at all times [s 7].
It is a defence to this charge if the defendant can prove that he or she 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 or controlled in a certain way [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 it is secured in a cage, vehicle or other object or structure [see 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.