The Dog and Cat Management Board and Alexandrina Council will pilot a dog leash awareness campaign that focusses on Alexandrina’s busiest beaches over summer. 

Statistics obtained by the Dog and Cat Management Board reveal most dog attacks reported to councils happen when dogs are off‐leash.

Dog and Cat Management Board Chair David Parkin says state law requires dogs in public places to be on a leash no longer than two metres. 

“There are some exceptions in specific parks or beach areas marked by signage, where obedient dogs can be off leash, but in these specifically marked places, the dog must be under effective control, which means remaining close and returning immediately to the owner when called,” he says. 

Alexandrina Council Chief Executive Officer Glenn Rappensberg says the council often receives visitors with dogs through summer who do not understand effective dog control requirements. 

“To help visitors and locals understand where they can or can’t take their dogs off leash, we are adding extra signage and supporting information at three of our busiest beaches,” he says. 

Goolwa beach, Middleton beach and Horseshoe Bay at Port Elliot will have additional monitoring through December and January, when dogs must be on leashes at all times. 

“Leashing your dog can save you, your dog and others a lot of pain and anguish. Any dog can bite if it’s frightened, feels anxious or threatened,” Mr Parkin says. 

“An approaching stranger or another dog can unsettle a normally passive dog. When your dog is on a leash, you have a far better chance of controlling it and avoiding what could become a distressing or tragic situation.” 

The Board says last year in South Australia 2,327 dog harassment/attacks were reported to councils and 513 people were hospitalised for dog bite trauma. These numbers are increasing each year. 

If a dog attacks or harasses a person, another dog, animal or bird, this is a breach of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 and can result in a ‘control order’ for the dog, fines for the owner, and in severe cases, dogs can be seized and destroyed. 

“Council has some off‐leash areas for obedient dogs that are not a risk to people or other animals and will return to their owner immediately when called – this information is available on the dog page of council’s website,” Mr Rappensberg says. 

Visit the www.dogandcatboard.com.au for information on leashing laws or www.alexandrina.sa.gov.au/dogs for places to take your dog safely in Alexandrina.