Tougher penalties for dog attacks
SOUTH Australia now has some of the nation’s toughest dog attack penalties.
Dog owners face a maximum $25,000 fine if their pet attacks and seriously injures or kills a person or animal — a tenfold increase on the previous penalty.
This will increase to up to $50,000 if the attacking dog is already the subject of a dangerous dog order — a significant increase on the previous maximum of $10,000.
Dog owners who deliberately encourage their pet to attack a person or animal can now be fined up to $100,000 — or be jailed for up to four years.
The strengthened Dog and Cat Management Act will also allow councils to work proactively with dog owners to help prevent offences before they occur, including implementing measures — such as repairing fences — to stop dogs wandering at large.
About 500 people are admitted to SA hospitals each year after being bitten by a dog.
Many are infants, children aged up to 9 years, and people aged 70 and over, representing around a quarter of total admissions for dog bites in the past five years.
Climate, Environment and Water Minister Lucy Hood said, while public hospital admissions had remained consistent in recent years, dog attacks were well up compared to 2014-15, when they comprised 252 admissions .
More than 1100 dog attacks and incidents were also reported to local councils in 2024-25, but a survey by the Dog and Cat Management Board suggested many more went unreported.
“The significantly increased penalties build on the government’s ‘Good Dogs have Bad Days’ campaign, helping to raise awareness on dog bite safety,” Ms Hood said.
“Safety tips include supervising children around dogs at home or in public, avoiding a dog’s territory like their bed, yard or toy box, never startling a dog or disturbing them while sleeping, and understanding warning signs such as growling.”
As part of the reforms, dog control orders placed on pet owners who move here from interstate — such as a dangerous dog order or a prohibition order — will also be better recognised and enforced under South Australian law.
“Strong deterrents are now in place for irresponsible dog owners who put the community and other animals at risk,” Ms Hood said.
“We are sending a clear message to owners to do all they can to control their dogs and bring down the number of attacks, many of them on vulnerable children and the elderly.
“Innocent pet owners have the right to feel safe and for their beloved family members to be protected.”
The reforms follow the tragic death of Golden Retriever Ruby, who was killed after two dog attacks in less than a month.
Her owner, June Deane, has since led calls for change.
“The tougher penalties to me are an absolute victory,” Ms Deane said.
“I have worked so hard for the past 19 months to have them implemented and help protect others from going through the pain and suffering that our family has endured.”
Walking around the block or a trip to the local vet should be a safe space, she said.
“These new laws will make dog owners more accountable for their actions and think twice before having a dog off a leash in a public setting.
“I hope it will reduce the number of dog attacks, make our community safer for all and let our precious Ruby’s legacy live on.”
