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 [Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA) s 60] (see Seizure and destruction of dogs). It is an offence for the owner or person responsible for a dog to allow their dog to wander at large [s 43].
Maximum Penalty:
For a dangerous or prescribed breed of dog
For any other dog: $2,500 fine
Expiation fee:
For a dangerous or prescribed breed of dog: $750
For any other dog: $210
A dog is considered to be wandering at large if it is
A dog is considered to be under effective control by means of physical restraint if on a leash chain or cord no more than 2 metres in length, or secured in a cage, vehicle or other object or structure [s 8].
It is a defence to this charge if the defendant can prove that they had taken all reasonable steps to prevent the dog from wandering at large [s 43(2)].
Where a person is found guilty of, or expiates, a subsequent offence, the court may order that the dog be disposed of within a specified period [s 43(3)].
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.