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Registering my dog

We encourage and promote responsible pet ownership to enable pets and people to live in harmony.

The laws have been introduced by the Dog and Cat Management Board to make it easier to reunite lost pets with their owners and reduce the number of unwanted pets. Things to note: All dogs and cats must be micro-chipped by 1 July 2018. All dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018, must be desexed.

The new system means an introduction of statewide Dogs and Cats Online database. Cats do not need to be registered.The Dog and Cat Management Board have distributed renewal notice with registration instructions to the City of Holdfast Bay's dog owners from 13 July 2018.Dog owners receive a lifetime registration disc for their pet.

The disc includes a permanent dog registration number and now replaces the tag sent annually with renewals.More information is available via the Dog and Cat Management Board website dogandcatboard.com.au . Pet owners are encouraged to look for discount micro-chipping days on the website chipblitz.com

Increased fines can apply for people who don't register and microchip their pets. The new laws make registration compulsory for breeders to reduce the number of unwanted dogs by discouraging puppy farms.

New & existing dog owners in the City of Holdfast Bay need to register their pets via the centralised state government website dogs and cats online (DACO) www.dogsandcatsonline.com.au

Walking your dog

When walking your dogs in public they are required to be on a lead. However, they can be exercised off the lead in all City of Holdfast Bay’s reserves but must be under effective control at all times.

  • Effective control off lead is when the dog.
  • Responds immediately to voice commands.
  • Remains in close proximity and visible at all times (not behind you).
  • Does not approach other people, animals or birds unless permitted by the other person.
  • During daylight savings times, any dog on the beach must be on a lead between the hours of 10am and 8pm.
  • Biodegradable dog tidy bags are available for purchase from Council Offices and at various locations throughout the City of Holdfast Bay.

Dog Tidy bag locations

Dangerous Dog – Collar Requirements

For the purposes of sections 45D and 50 of the Dog & Cat Management Act (guard dogs and dogs subject to a Menacing or Dangerous Dog Control Order), a collar meets the requirements of the Board if:

  • it consists of red stripes alternately spaced with yellow stripes (or red and silver until 1 January 2010) each being of a width of 25 mm and set diagonal to the rim of the collar at an angle of 45 degrees; and
  • at least one of the two colours reflects light in the dark; and
  • it is made of durable materials; and
  • it is able to be securely fastened; and
  • it has a facility to attach a leash; and

it has a minimum width of:

  • 15mm width for dogs under 10kg
  • 25mm width dogs weighing between 10 and 20 kgs
  • 40mm width for dogs weighing more than 20 kgs
  • Greyhounds wearing a green collar indicate that they do not need to wear a muzzle because they have been trained not to chase small animals.

All other collars are non-regulated, but commercially available colour coded collars follow the general scheme:

  • Green – means anyone can approach the dog
  • Orange – means only people can approach
  • Red – means neither people or other dogs can approach
  • Yellow - means nervous
  • Purple – means do not feed
  • White – means dog is deaf and/or blind
Pets and noise

Events that involve loud music or noises may affect your pets and compromise their safety. These can include concerts, fireworks or thunderstorms.

Below are some suggestions of how to prepare your pets for these events and keep them safe:

  • Microchip your pets in case they escape the yard.
  • Have an ID tag on your pets collar with your phone number.
  • Exercise your pet before the event. This can alleviate anxiety.
  • Keep your pet inside for the duration of the event.
  • If pets are outside, ensure fences are secure and cannot be jumped.
  • Allow your pet to find a space they feel safe. This may include under the bed or in a wardrobe.
  • Stay home with your pet during the event if possible.
  • Reward your pet for calm behaviour.
  • Close windows and doors to minimise the amount of noise.
  • Put on music or TV to distract your pet.
Barking dogs

All dogs make noise at some time. However, if you are concerned about the level of noise a dog is creating the first step towards resolving the issue is to try to speak to the owner in a non-threatening manner and try to reach a compromise.

Often the dog owner can be unaware that their dog is causing a nuisance as they may not be at their property when the barking occurs. Most dog owners are willing to work with their neighbours to achieve an amicable outcome.

Should the problem persist please contact an Animal Management Officer on (08) 8229 9999 or email mail@holdfast.sa.gov.au

Dog Attacks or Harassments

Should you become the victim of a dog attack or harassment please report the incident to us immediately.

If a complaint is received, the Officer will investigate and may issue a fine, or if the offence is more serious or repeated, a control order may be issued to the owner to ensure no further attacks or harassments occur.

A dog causing a nuisance, wandering at large or responsible for harassing, attacking or chasing should be reported to our Animal management team immediately. We also provide advice on training and other dog management issues. You can report a dog related issue on (08) 8229 9999 or email mail@holdfast.sa.gov.au

Pets and training

Events that involve loud music or noises may affect your pets and compromise their safety. These can include concerts, fireworks or thunderstorms.

Below are some suggestions of how to prepare your pets for these events and keep them safe:

  • Microchip your pets in case they escape the yard.
  • Have an ID tag on your pets collar with your phone number.
  • Exercise your pet before the event. This can alleviate anxiety.
  • Keep your pet inside for the duration of the event.
  • If pets are outside, ensure fences are secure and cannot be jumped.
  • Allow your pet to find a space they feel safe. This may include under the bed or in a wardrobe.
  • Stay home with your pet during the event if possible.
  • Reward your pet for calm behaviour.
  • Close windows and doors to minimise the amount of noise.
  • Put on music or TV to distract your pet.

Animal Management Directions Plan

Lost and Found Animals

A lost or found animal should be reported to our Animal Management Officers. You can call (08) 8229 9999 to report a lost or found dog.