Cat legislation in South Australia

Deborah Kelly

Abstract

A major problem in cat management is differentiating owned from unowned cats. The South Australian Dog and Cat Management Act, which was proclaimed in 1 July 1995, addresses this problem. A cat is legally owned if it is identified in accordance with the Regulations. Owned cats are protected unless they are in remote areas or within National Parks and designated sanctuaries. Unowned cats can, with the consent of the land holder, be removed without the risk of civil liability. Councils have the liability to introduce byelaws to manage dogs and cats, should this be the wish of their residents.

About the Author

Deborah Kelly, BVSc

Bureau of Animal Welfare

GPO Box 1047

Adelaide, SA 5000

Deborah Kelly is Principal Animal Welfare Officer in the South Australian Department of Environment and Natural Resources. She is a veterinarian who has worked in small animal practice for about 10 years. Prior to her current position, she was lecturing in Animal Management at Gilles Plains College of TAFE and was instrumental in the development of the Dog Control Officers Course offered by the College. During this time she succesfully completed a Diploma of Education.

Dr Kelly has a long association with many community groups which promote animal welfare and management, including RSPCA, Animal Welfare League, South Australian Canine Association, fauna welfare groups and cat clubs.

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