If a dog is found to be wandering at large, then an authorised person (a police officer, or a person appointed as an authorised person under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA) s 25A) can seize the dog [Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA) s 60] (see Seizure and destruction of dogs). It is an offence for the owner or person responsible for a dog to allow their dog to wander at large [s 43].

The maximum penalty for allowing a dog to wander at large is a fine of $10,000 (expiation fee $1,000) if the dog is a dangerous dog or prescribed breed of dog, or $5,000 (expiation fee $315) for any other dog.

A dog is considered to be wandering at large if it is:

A dog is considered to be under effective control by means of physical restraint if on a leash chain or cord no more than 2 metres in length, or secured in a cage, vehicle or other object or structure [s 8].

It is a defence to this charge if the defendant can prove that they had taken all reasonable steps to prevent the dog from wandering at large [s 43(2)].

Where a person is found guilty of, or expiates, a subsequent offence, the court may order that the dog be disposed of within a specified period [s 43(3)].

Can I search an online register for a lost dog or cat?

Yes. Dogs and Cats Online has a search function available to search their register for a lost animal, by either the animal's registration number or microchip number. The register can be searched via the Dogs and Cats Online website.