Dogs & Pets

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.

Please note:

During daylight savings times, any dog on the beach must be on a lead between the hours of 10 am and 8 pm.

Dog tidy bags are required when walking your dogs. Biodegradable dog tidy bags are available for purchase from The Brighton Civic Centre and our libraries. They are also available at various locations throughout the City of Holdfast Bay.

Dangerous Dogs

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

Meaning of collar colours

Greyhounds wearing a green collar indicate that they have received accreditation and have an exemption to wearing a muzzle. For more information go to www.gapsa.org.au.

Dog owners can purchase a colour coded collar and harness to show a dog's temperament.

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

Council advises that the above list is not legislated and may not be a reliable indicator of a dog's temperament. Please do not approach any dog unless invited to do so by the owner.

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.

It is normal for dogs to bark, this is how they communicate. However, if you are concerned about the persistence of the barking and it is causing a nuisance to you, it is best to speak to the dog owner in the first instance to let them know as they may not be aware. A friendly approach may assist in a quick solution.

Alternatively, you can use our, Dog Barking Neighbour advice letter. Fill in the details and drop it in their letterbox.

If this direct approach has not resolved the matter, you can make a formal complaint to Council. A diary will be sent to you for you to complete to provide the supporting evidence for Council to speak to the dog owner on your behalf. Council cannot take action without this evidence. Please be aware that the information on this form may be used as evidence for enforcement purposes and so must be a true and accurate record.

Please call (08) 8229 9999 or email mail@holdfast.sa.gov.au to lodge your complaint and request a diary.

It is a valuable experience to take the time to train your dog. Training your dog is a chance to strengthen your bond and provide a quality base to promote good behaviour.

There are many training organisations and puppy schools available in Adelaide and we recommend that pet owners research to find one that is suitable for you and your pet.

Cats wander and may enter another person’s property. It is an offence, under Council’s Cat Bylaw, for your cat to wander onto someone else’s property without their permission. Cat owners need to take steps to avoid this. For information on cat ownership go to the Dog and Cat Management Board website https://goodcatsa.com/.

For strategies on what to do if a unwanted cat is on your property please read Council's factsheet - Cats in the Neighbourhood

Should you or your pet become the victim of a dog attack or harassment, please report the incident to Council at the earliest opportunity. If required, please ensure medical treatment is sought first.

Council’s Animal Management Officer will investigate and take formal statements from yourself and the dog owner. All statements and evidence will be taken into consideration and where required, enforcement action may be taken. Serious matters may result in control orders.

Please call (08) 8229 9999 or email mail@holdfast.sa.gov.au to report the incident.