1. Are there any dog breeds that I am not allowed to own?
There are five restricted breeds of dog, these are: - American Pit Bull Terriers
- Fila Braziliero
- Japanese Tosa
- Dog Argentinia
- Presa Canario
You are allowed to own these dogs but under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, these dogs must be desexed, and whilst not confined to their premises must have a muzzle securley fixed onto its mouth as to prevent it biting any person or animal and must be under the effective control of a person by means of physical restraint (leash). Any person who sells, gives away or advertises for sale or to give away a dog of a prescribed breed is guilty of an offence. Maximum penalty $2500 for a breach of any of the above.
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2. Do I have to have my dog desexed?
It is not law but it is a good idea to have your animal desexed. If your dog does escape from your property and subsequently breeds with another dog then this often causes problems for the RSPCA or Animal Welfare League as there are simply not enough homes for the aaccidental litters born each year. Desexing can reduce the risk of breast cancer in female dogs and desexing male dogs can reduce aggression, wandering, urine marking and other anti-social behaviour. Discuss any questions you have about desexing with your veterinary surgeon who will be able to provide you with advice as to when the most appropriate time is to have your dog desexed. Female dogs do not need to have a litter before they are desexed.
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3. Do I have to have my dog on a leash?
If a dog is in a public or private place without consent of the occupier and nobody is exercising effective control over the dog it is considered to be wandering at large, an offence under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995. Ensure you always have your dog on a leash no longer than 2 metres or if you are in a designated off leash park, make sure you stay near enough to your dog to give commands that it will hear and obey.
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4. Do I have to register my dog?
Yes, under the Dog and Cat Management Act, all dogs over three months old must be registered every year.
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5. How old do I have to be to register a dog?
A person must be aged 16 years or over to register a dog.
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6. I have decided to buy a dog, how do I know which one to choose?
There are approximately 165 breeds of dogs available in Australia. Visit a dog show or contact a dog training school, South Australian Canine Association, Animal Welfare League or RSPCA. To make sure the dog fits in with your lifestyle, check out the select a pet questionnaire. Make sure you meet the dogs parents where possible to ensure that they are friendly and healthy.
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7. I have just bought a new puppy, when do I have to register it?
All dogs aged three months or over must be registered with your local Council. The purpose of this is to provide quick and easy identification of your dog should he or she be found wandering or become lost. Once registered, your dog must wear a registration disc that will identify him or her as belonging to you.
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8. I have just moved house do I need to re-register my dog with the new council?
Yes, you must notify your new council within 72 hours that the dog has moved to a different premises. Failure to obey the registration law can incur an expiation fee of $80 or a $250 penalty and an additional penalty for every 14 days the registeration fee remains unpaid. You must also notify your previous council that the dog is no longer in the previous premises.
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9. I have lost my dog what should I do?
You will need to contact your local council as soon as possible within 72 hours. Any dog picked up by your local council becomes their property if not claimed within 72 hours. You should contact the Animal Welfare League and the RSPCA to check if they have your dog.
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10. I have seen anti-barking muzzles, can I leave one of these on a dog whilst I am at work?
Barking muzzles are fitted over the dogs face to prevent the dog from fully opening their mouth. Dogs must not be left unattended whilst wearing any muzzles as they can sometimes cause breathing difficulties.
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11. I want to train my dog with an electric collar, is this legal?
Under the Prevention to Cruelty to Animals Act 1985 a person must not place on a animal a collar that is designed to impart an electric shock.
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12. My dog travels in the back of my ute, does it need to be tied in?
All dogs must be physically restrained whilst being transported in the open tray of a utility, truck or other similar vehicle. This means being transported in a cage or other like enclosure or tethered to the vehicle so that the dog cannot fall or escape from the vehicle. This does not apply to an accredited guide dog or a dog that is being used in the droving or tending of stock or is going to or returning from a place where it will be or has been, so used.
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13. My neighbour has complained that my dog is barking, what should I do?
All dogs bark at some time, however excessive barking needs to be addressed. Check the times when your dog is barking, it may be at certain times of the day when school children are passing on their way to school and they may be teasing your dog. If this is the case try to keep the dog away from areas where neighbours or noisy children have close contact with the dog. Some dogs barks because they are bored, in this case provide more mental stimulation for your dog for example use special interactive dog toys. Others bark because they are stressed or suffering from separation anxiety, if you think this may be the case then you could create a den or small enclosed area in a laundry or shed where your dog has access to so that it can go there in order to feel safe. You should feed the dog and encourage it to sleep in this area to that the dog has a happy association with it. Further advice can be sought from your veterinary surgeon or dog behaviourist.
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14. My neighbour's dog is barking, what can I do?
If you have a good relationship with your neighbour try talking to them in the first instance. Otherwise contact your local council who will be able to advise you and if necessary take further action.
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15. What do I do if my dog dies?
You must notify your local council immediately.
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16. What do I do if my dog or I are attacked by another dog?
Any person who is being attacked by a dog may injure or destroy the dog if that action is reasonable and necessary to protect life or property. These actions should only be taken in the most extreme cases because it may be treated as a criminal offence if an animal is killed without just cause. Victims of dog attacks should report the incident to the local council where the attack occurred, as they are entitled to claim damages and costs incurred as a result of the attack.
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17. What if I can no longer look after my dog?
You should contact your local council to surrender the dog to them or take the dog to the Animal Welfare League or RSPCA.
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18. What if I see a stray dog?
You should contact the local council where you have seen the dog immediately so that they can arrange to come and collect the dog.
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