Owners of vicious dogs who attack face huge new fines in SA up to $50,000

Owners of vicious dogs who attack people or other animals face massive new fines under reforms that also crack down on puppy farms.

Owners of dogs involved in vicious attacks face huge new fines under new laws proposed by the state government.

If a dog attacks a person or another animal and causes serious injury or death, the owner now faced a maximum fine of $25,000, up from the current $2500 penalty.

The fine could rise to $50,000 if the attacking dog was already considered dangerous, up from $10,000.

In cases where a dog owner deliberately encouraged their pet to attack or harass a person or animal, the owner faces fines up to $100,000 – or four years jail.

The Advertiser foreshadowed the tougher laws earlier this month after a golden retriever was killed following two attacks in one month - one outside a vet’s after she had made a full recovery.

The South African boerboel is removed from the family home in Osborne after the attack in March, 2023. Picture: 7NEWS

A four-year-old boy was attacked by a dog in Paradise in March - the second attack that day, after an RSPCA volunteer was bitten on the arm at the Lonsdale shelter.

Twelve months before, a toddler was rushed to hospital with facial injuries after being attacked by the family pet, a 35kg South African boerboel named Joop - a mastiff - at Osborne, sparking calls for the breed to be banned.

The new laws also crack down on puppy farms, toughening rules for breeders.

Dog breeders would be limited to 50 females per program, outlawing large-scale, inhumane puppy farms that increase the risk of animal cruelty.

The reforms include a more robust licensing and assessment system for breeders, criminal background checks, $10,000 fines for unlicensed breeding and the ability to suspend and cancel licences.

Female dogs will be limited to having a maximum of five litters and breeders must report every litter.

The tough new laws bring SA in line with Victoria as the strictest state for breeding programs.

Retired racing greyhounds will no longer have to be muzzled in public to bring greyhound adoption rules in line with other dogs.

Dog control orders placed on pet owners who move to South Australia from interstate – such as a dangerous dog order or a prohibition order – will also be better recognised and enforced under South Australian law.

And councils would have increased powers to fine owners of wandering dogs, with penalties of up to $2500 each time a dog is caught.

Public consultation on the proposed reforms to the state’s Dog and Cat Management Act closes on June 11. Have your say here.

Originally published as Owners of vicious dogs who attack face huge new fines in SA up to $50,000