Dog Attacks
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Dog Attacks

What to Do If a Dog Attacks

If you or your pet are involved in a dog attack, your immediate priority should be seeking medical or veterinary assistance. Once safe, it is essential to report the incident to the council as soon as possible.

You can contact Council during business hours. For after-hours emergencies, please call 08 8577 8002 and you will be given a number to call to speak with an on-duty officer. Additionally, South Australia Police are authorised under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 to respond to dog attacks.

Additionally, South Australia Police (SAPOL) are authorised under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 to respond to dog attacks and may be contacted for assistance.

Reporting a Dog Attack

Timely reporting is crucial, especially if the offending dog is loose and poses a continued risk. When contacting the council, try to provide the following details to assist the investigation:

  • Date, time, and location of the attack.
  • Description of the dog: registration disc, name tag, breed, colour, sex, markings, collar size and colour.
  • Description of the owner: name, address, phone number, gender, age, hair colour, and clothing.
  • Vehicle details (if applicable): registration number, make, model, and colour.
  • Details of injuries: provide descriptions and photographs of any injuries sustained by yourself, your pet, or others.

Keep copies of any medical or veterinary bills, along with any medical certificates, as evidence.

What Happens After Reporting

Once an attack is reported, authorised council officers will:

  1. Request you to complete an Incident Report.
  2. Document the injuries through photographs.
  3. Contact the dog’s owner for their account of the incident.
  4. Collect witness statements and additional evidence.
  5. Assess all evidence to determine the appropriate action.
  6. Inform all parties involved of the outcome.

Depending on the severity of the attack, the council may:

  • Issue a warning.
  • Impose an on-the-spot fine (e.g., $315 or $750 for dangerous dogs).
  • Pursue legal action for serious cases.
  • Apply control orders (e.g., Nuisance, Dangerous Dog, Menacing Dog, or Destruction Orders).

The maximum penalty for a dog attack is $2,500. However, penalties for dangerous dogs or prescribed breeds can range up to $10,000 for repeat offences.

Responsibilities of Dog Owners

As a dog owner or caregiver, you are legally responsible for your dog's actions. It is an offence for a dog to attack, harass, or chase:

  • A person.
  • Another animal.
  • A bird owned by a person.

For detailed information, refer to the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.

Preventing Dog Bites

Dogs may bite due to fear, pain, or anxiety. Prevent bites and promote safer interactions by:

  • Socialising your dog early to help it feel comfortable around other people and animals.
  • Avoiding situations that may cause nervousness or stress.
  • Enrolling in obedience classes to improve communication and understand your dog's behaviour.
  • Desexing your dog (mandatory for dogs born after 1 July 2018 unless exempt). Research shows desexed dogs are generally less aggressive.
  • Seeking advice from your vet if your dog shows signs of aggression.

By taking these proactive measures, you can help ensure the safety of your family, community, and pets.

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Controlling Your Dog
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Controlling Your Dog

As a dog owner, you are responsible for ensuring your dog is under control at all times.

Under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, you must prevent your dog from:

  • Wandering into public or private property without permission.
  • Attacking, harassing, or chasing people or animals.
  • Attacking anyone lawfully entering premises.
  • Entering schools, kindergartens, or childcare centres without authorization.
  • Entering shops or areas where food and beverages are sold or prepared, except for locations like pet stores, veterinary clinics, or grooming salons.
  • Chasing vehicles.

Failing to control your dog may result in penalties. These rules do not apply to guide dogs or assistance dogs.

Dogs in Front Yards

While there are no specific laws about where your dog should be kept on your property, it is recommended to confine your dog to the backyard.

According to sections 43 and 44 of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, owners can be held liable if their dog:

  • Attacks, harasses, chases, or endangers the safety of a person.
  • Is classified as Wandering at Large.

If a dog kept in the front yard is involved in an incident, owners may face legal consequences. This includes situations where the dog is:

  • Allowed unsupervised access to the front of the property.
  • Kept in an unsecured area that facilitates an escape.

Potential Consequences

If an incident occurs, the Council may take the following actions:

  • Issue a $210 expiation fee for Wandering at Large or a $315 fee for an offense involving attacking, harassing, or chasing.
  • Enforce control orders requiring the dog to be kept indoors or ensuring the property is securely fenced.
  • Pursue court proceedings, which may result in penalties of up to $2,500 if convicted.

Additionally, victims of dog-related incidents can file civil lawsuits against the owner for damages.

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Australian Dental Foundation - Rescheduled Visit
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The Foundation will contact those who have already booked appointments to reschedule. Bookings remain open and can still be made using the following link:
https://australiandentalfoundation.snapforms.com.au/form/adf-register-a-patient-regional-visits

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Ben Wright

Ben Wright