Breeder reforms: Updating the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995
Consultation has concluded
We are inviting you to share your thoughts on proposed changes to dog and cat management laws in our state.
What's being decided?
We have drafted a Bill to improve dog and cat management in South Australia.
The draft Dog and Cat Management (Breeder Reforms) Amendment Bill 2024 includes amendments to increase penalties for dog attacks, and implement a new system for breeder licensing, as part of the government's commitment to banning puppy factories.
Some smaller changes are also proposed to aid clarity, remove red tape and promote action to deliver better services to dog and cat owners and the community. The full suite of reforms is outlined in our Explanatory Guide.
Background
The Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (Act) is South Australia’s legal framework for managing dogs and cats in South Australia. The aim of the Act is to encourage responsible ownership to reduce public and environmental nuisance and promote effective dog and cat management.
We amended the Act in 2018 to introduce mandatory de-sexing and microchipping and breeder registration. At the same time, the state-wide register, Dogs and Cats Online was introduced.
The Act was reviewed in 2022 to analyse the effectiveness of the 2018 changes and the breeding reforms needed to ban puppy factories; and identify other possible improvements. Input was sought from local government, the RSPCA, Animal Welfare League and the Australian Veterinary Association—the primary stakeholders for enforcing or performing administrative functions under the Act. We also invited the breeding sector, community cat welfare group representatives and other parties to suggest practical solutions for improving the state’s dog and cat management laws.
We are proposing changes to the Act in response to this advice and feedback.
Get involved
Find out more by:
- Reading the Explanatory Guide.
- Reviewing the draft Bill.
- Taking a look at our FAQs.
Have your say by:
- Completing our questionnaire.
- Sending formal submissions to DEW.DogAndCatReform@sa.gov.au including your contact details such as name, address, telephone number and email.
What are the next steps?
We will consider your feedback to finalise the draft bill for Parliament consideration.
We will publish on this page a consultation report capturing all feedback.
