Working dogs secure law loophole

The changes include mandatory microchipping and desexing, compulsory breeder registration and the introduction of a statewide online dog and cat database.

Dog and Cat Management Board chairperson Felicity-ann Lewis said the changes were bigger than the introduction of dog registration more than a century ago.

All cats and dogs born after July 1 must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age and desexed by six months of age.

Washpool Working Kelpies breeder Kay Hocking, Avenue Range, was part of the advisory group that developed the new laws.

“If you're going to claim a working dog exemption, they must comply with the definition under the (SA Dog and Cat Management Act 1995) of what a working dog is,” Mrs Hocking said.

The Act defines a “working livestock dog” as one usually kept or worked on rural land by a person who is a primary producer – or employed by a primary producer – and is kept primarily for the purpose of herding, droving, protecting, tending or working stock.

Mrs Hocking said for those who are responsible owners and breeders, who already register their dogs and abide by previous legislation, there was not a lot to be worried about.

Dog and Cat Management Board secretary Andrew Lamb said exemptions also applied, with a vet’s discretion, to the health of an animal if the owner was a Dogs SA member or a registered greyhound. 

Mr Lamb said registration costs varied depending on services provided, so owners were advised to contact their local vet to get an idea of costs.

South Australian Working Sheepdog Association president Milton Cross said any costs incurred by the new requirements would be outweighed by the benefits of having healthier, well-raised pups from responsible and regulated breeders.

SAWSA was consulted for a rural perspective during the legislation development.

“We were able to influence the final outcome, to ensure the breeding and housing of working dogs was better understood and kennel size reflects this,” Mr Cross said.

“Hopefully this legislation won’t impact the rural community to the degree it potentially could have and, with achievable improvements, we will be able to meet the criteria and go on providing good quality working dogs for the farmers of SA.”