Your Cat and the Law
In South Australia, all cats (and dogs) must be microchipped and desexed and registered in Dogs and Cats Online, the statewide database for dogs, cats, microchip, desexing and breeder registrations. Some exemptions apply.
The Town of Walkerville does not charge a cat registration fee, however, you must register your cat in Dogs and Cats Online by its mandatory microchip number. Your cat's microchip number should be provided to you by your vet, microchip implanter, shelter or breeder.
The Dog and Cat Management Board have how to guides available on their website to assist owners with registration.
Having your cats details recorded in Dogs and Cats Online makes it easier to identify and locate owners quickly, if your cat becomes lost or is found by a member of the community.
Cat owners who’ve registered their cat’s microchip number in Dogs and Cats Online will receive a notice each July to remind them to log in and check their details are up-to-date. If you move, you’ll need to update your address. If your cat dies, is missing for more than 72 hours, is given to a new owner, or is surrendered to the RSPCA or Animal Welfare League, update your cat’s record in Dogs and Cats Online. Choose ‘deceased’ or ‘lost’ from the ‘Animal Status’ drop down menu on your pet’s record.
If your cat goes to a new home, their registration must be transferred to the new owner. You’ll need to initiate a transfer in Dogs and Cats Online and give the transfer number to the new owner who then logs in to complete the transfer themselves. There are easy reference guides on the Dog and Cat Management Board’s website if you need help.
It is the Cat Owner's responsibility to ensure the microchipping details are recorded in Dogs and Cats Online.
Keeping Cats
The RSPCA has produced a new website SafeAndHappyCats.com.au, a guide to keeping your cat safe and happy at home, which has plenty of helpful information on how to provide a safe and suitable environment for your cat at home all day, every day.
You can download a copy of their booklet Guide to Keeping Your Cat Safe and Happy at Home.
Good Cat SA website is a valuable source of advice and information on appropriate cat enclosures, cat runs and other containment solutions.
The Good Cats Play at Home booklet is another useful resource for cat owners.
Cat Selection
The Animal Welfare League website has a wide range of information on selecting the right animal for you, what to consider before adopting a cat, Basic Cat Health and boredom Busters.
For Information visit Animal Welfare League website
All cats (and dogs) must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or at the point of sale. (unless exempted by a vet - see the Dog and Cat Management Board for details) and owners must register the microchip number in Dogs and Cats Online.
If you acquire a new cat, and it is not microchipped, it must have one implanted with 28 days.
Microchipping is undertaken by qualified implanters, please contact your local Vet Clinic or Council supports local, low cost microchipping events which are often run by ChipBlitz who provide events in surrounding locations. For more information visit www.chipblitz.com. to book or find an upcoming session near you.
Council Officers are equipped with microchip scanners which are used to scan a lost or found animal.
More information on laws relating to microchipping can be found by visiting Dog and Cat Management Board.
All cats (and dogs) born after the 1 July 2018 must be desexed by 6 months of age or if you acquire a new cat it must be desexed within 28 days after taking possession. Some exemptions can apply.
For more information relating to desexing cats or exemptions visit Dog and Cat Management Board.
Under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, there are laws which regulate breeding and selling dogs and cats in South Australia. The most significant changes are outlined below.
- Breeders and Sellers must adhere to the South Australian Standards and Guidelines for Breeding and Trading Companion Animals.
- If a breeder intends to sell a cat (or dog) they have bread, they must register as a breeder on Dogs and Cats Online.
- Any Advertisements selling a cat (or dog) must include the sellers and breeder' contact details and breeder registration number.
- A cat must not be sold unless it has been microchipped in accordance with the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.
- Sellers/breeders must provide specific information to purchasers, eg. seller and breeders’ details; breeders’ Dogs and Cats Online number; vaccination details; desexing details; microchip details; known illnesses or medical conditions; control order information (dogs)
For more information on breeding and selling visit Dog and Cat Management Board or Good Cats SA.
Council do not offer cat traps for hire.
However, if you wish to hire a cat trap please contact the Animal Welfare League on 8348 1300.
For advice or helpful tips to discourage nuisance cats visit Good Cat SA,or stray cats, visit Animal Welfare League
A trapped cat that is identified to be microchipped or wearing a collar must be returned to its owner or released immediately as required under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.
It's illegal to seize or detain an identified cat (wearing a collar with the owner's contact details or microchipped). However, an unidentified cat can be released or taken to the Animal Welfare League or a willing veterinarian in a secured container. They will determine if the cat should be rehomed or euthanized humanely. If you trap a cat you must do this humanely. Cats must not be kept in cages in inclement weather conditions, for any period of time without water and shelter. You can't keep a cat contained longer than 12 hours, his constitutes an act of animal cruelty.
It is the responsibility of the Owner to ensure that your cat does not cause a nuisance to neighbours.
Council does occasionally receive complaints from residents about stray and wandering cats entering their premises and causing a nuisance such as noise, odour, faeces, spraying, wandering, fighting or harassing other pets.
In the first instance, speaking with your neighbour may help resolve the matter as they are often unaware that their cat is being a nuisance. If you treat the issue as a shared problem and work on a solution together, you are likely to achieve a good result.
If you feel you are not able to make direct contact with them, you can contact Council’s Community Safety Officer for advice or assistance.
For information on how to deter cats from your property, visit Good Cats SA.