Published on 16 October 2018

Peace of mind for pet owners

She’s a black and white streak of lightning. Her name is Pepper and she’s a regular at the leash-free zone on O’Sullivan Beach.

Owner of this high-speed four-year-old Border Collie, Danielle Spencely from Hackham, has welcomed new state-wide legislation that aims to improve the welfare of dogs and cats, simplify registration and make it easier to reunite owners with their lost pets.

“If Pepper was to ever get out someone will know where she has come from,” Danielle says. The changes introduced on 1 July also include compulsory micro-chipping and desexing of pets.

Ahead of the new micro-chipping requirement, Danielle took Pepper to one of the Chip Blitz events held earlier this year across the City of Onkaparinga.

These council-supported events offered microchipping for the discounted price of $10. Pepper was one of more than 1000 pets micro-chipped at these local events.

Another new initiative is Dogs and Cats Online (DACO), a state-wide database for micro-chipped and registered dogs and cats, registration payments and breeder registrations. DACO replaces 68 different local council databases. It’s easy for pet owners to log on to self-manage their pet’s information and pay fees online or at your council office. Pet owners receive a one-off grey plastic disc rather than a different coloured disc every year.

DACO also provides quick access to identifying information if a missing pet is located anywhere in the state.

The main reforms pet owners need to be aware of:

• Dogs and cats must be micro-chipped by 12 weeks of age or at the point of sale.
• Dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed by six months of age (some exemptions apply).
• Introduction of Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) at: dogsandcatsonline.com.au
• Breeders must register with the Dog and Cat Management Board using DACO.
• New rules for anyone selling a litter.
• More: dogsandcatsonline.com.au and chipblitz.com/locations

THE LEASH-FREE AREA

at O’Sullivan Beach is enjoyed by dogs and their owners.