The Animal Welfare Act 1985 (SA) prohibits cruelty to all animals [s 13]. An animal is defined as a member of any species of the sub-phylum vertebrata, other than human beings and fish [s 3].

Ill treatment of animals is prohibited and a maximum penalty of $20,000 or a term of up to 2 years of imprisonment applies. If a person intends or is reckless about whether their ill treatment causes serious harm to, or the death of an animal, the maximum penalty is a fine of up to $50,000 or a term of up to 4 years imprisonment.

Ill treatment occurs where:

For a comprehensive summary of the penalties for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 1985 (SA), please see Animal Welfare Act 1985 penalties as at October 2023.

Standards for the breeding and trading of companion animals

The treatment of animals bred as pets (known as companion animals) is regulated by the South Australian Standards and Guidelines for Breeding and Trading Companion Animals [see the Animal Welfare Regulations 2012 (SA) Schedule 2, item 1].

The definition of companion animals includes, but is not limited to, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, birds, amphibians and reptiles.

The Standards and Guidelines help to make clear the duties of breeders and traders under the Animal Welfare Act 1985 (SA).

The Standards are the minimum requirement set by law for the treatment of animals by breeders, pet shop owners and other traders in animals. A breach of the Standards may result in an expiation notice or prosecution under the Animal Welfare Regulations 2012 (SA) or, in more serious cases, a prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act 1985 (SA).

The Guidelines are not legally enforceable but provide guidance and direction to help meet the requirements of the Standards.

The Standards and Guidelines do not apply to fish, animals kept for the purposes of riding or food, or animals that are given away. They also exclude dogs and cats found and kept, provided they are not subsequently used for breeding.