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Control Orders (Menacing and Dangerous): South Australia Guide

Your obligations, key deadlines, and support options if a control order has been proposed or made for your dog in South Australia.
Last updated: 03 Aug 2026South Australia specific

Support for your situation

I've received notice of a proposed orderFind out what the proposed order means, how to make submissions, and what happens next.
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An order has been made for my dogUnderstand your compliance obligations, your 14-day review window, and where to find support.
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I need supportConnect with providers to help you navigate the control order journey.
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If a control order has been proposed for your dog

Control (Menacing Dog) and Control (Dangerous Dog) Orders can be made by either your council or the Dog and Cat Management Board under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (DCM Act s 50(1)).

Before an order can be made, the council or the Board must give you at least 7 days written notice identifying your dog, setting out the terms of the proposed order, and inviting you to make submissions (DCM Act s 52(1)).

Note that a proposed order is not an order. If you are at this stage, no order has been made, and one is not guaranteed. South Australia also does not impose interim control requirements during this period, so no muzzle, collar, signage, or other obligations apply until an order is actually made.

It is important to:

  • Read the notice carefully and confirm the deadline it gives you for submissions
  • Check which order is proposed, because a Control (Dangerous Dog) Order carries desexing and signage obligations that a Control (Menacing Dog) Order does not
  • Decide whether you wish to make submissions before the deadline
  • Seek appropriate advice promptly if you need support

If the council or Board proceeds, the order takes effect the moment a copy is first given to you (DCM Act s 52(2)(c), s 52(6)(a)). There is no grace period, so it is worth preparing during the notice period.

See below for more detail.

Jump to:
Menacing
Dangerous

Proposed Control (Menacing Dog) Order

At a glance

Your council or the Dog and Cat Management Board has formally notified you that it proposes to make a Control (Menacing Dog) Order for your dog.

  • You have at least 7 days to make submissions (DCM Act s 52(1)(b)(iii)).
  • No control requirements apply to your dog during this period.
  • If the order is made, it takes effect the moment you are given a copy (DCM Act s 52(2)(c)).

Proposed Control (Dangerous Dog) Order

At a glance

Your council or the Dog and Cat Management Board has formally notified you that it proposes to make a Control (Dangerous Dog) Order for your dog.

  • You have at least 7 days to make submissions (DCM Act s 52(1)(b)(iii)).
  • No control requirements apply to your dog during this period.
  • If the order is made, it takes effect the moment you are given a copy, and your dog becomes a "dangerous dog" under the Act (DCM Act s 4, s 52(2)(c)).

If a control order has been made for your dog

A control order takes effect the moment a copy is first given to you or to anyone else responsible for your dog (DCM Act s 52(2)(c), s 52(6)(a)). Every requirement in it applies from that day. There is no grace period and no automatic stay.

It is important to:

  • Read your order carefully, including the periods it specifies for microchipping, any training course, and desexing if your order requires it
  • Begin complying immediately, because the order is already in force
  • Decide promptly whether to apply to SACAT for review, which must be done within 14 days
  • Ask SACAT for a stay if you seek review, because the order is not suspended automatically
  • Seek legal or behavioural support if it could assist with your situation

Contravening a control order is an offence carrying a maximum penalty of $10,000 (DCM Act s 55(1)(a)). Your dog can also be seized if a contravention is reasonably suspected (DCM Act s 60(1)(d)).

See below for detailed guidance based on which order has been made for your dog.

Jump to:
Menacing
Dangerous

Control (Menacing Dog) Order: what happens next

At a glance

A Control (Menacing Dog) Order has been made for your dog by your council or the Dog and Cat Management Board.

  • The order took effect the moment you were given a copy (DCM Act s 52(2)(c)).
  • You must now comply with all requirements of the order (DCM Act s 50(4)).
  • You have 14 days from receiving notice of the decision to apply to SACAT for review (DCM Act s 72(2)).
  • The order can be revoked at any time at the council's discretion (DCM Act s 52(4)).

Control (Dangerous Dog) Order: what happens next

At a glance

A Control (Dangerous Dog) Order has been made for your dog by your council or the Dog and Cat Management Board.

  • The order took effect the moment you were given a copy (DCM Act s 52(2)(c)).
  • You must now comply with all requirements of the order (DCM Act s 50(3)).
  • Your dog is now a dangerous dog under the Act, which increases the penalties that apply to a range of offences (DCM Act s 4).
  • You have 14 days from receiving notice of the decision to apply to SACAT for review (DCM Act s 72(2)).
  • The order can be revoked at any time at the council's discretion (DCM Act s 52(4)).

Support Resources

Behaviour assessments

Experienced, independent behaviour professionals who provide assessments for South Australian council processes.

Training and behaviour support

Qualified trainers and behaviour professionals who can help with muzzle training, behaviour management, and ongoing support in South Australia.

Community support

Connect with others navigating control orders in the Menacing and Dangerous Dogs Support Australia Facebook group.

Muzzles

Products and information to help you find a muzzle that's right for your dog.

Grief and bereavement

Resources for anyone dealing with the loss of a beloved pet, particularly through behavioural euthanasia.

Process and accountability

Avenues for raising concerns about council processes or making a formal complaint in South Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for muzzle training

Legal and Regulatory Sources (SA)

State legislation

Tribunal review resources

This guide reflects legislation and guidance as at the dates shown above. South Australia legislation and regulations may have been amended since our last review. Check the current in-force version on the official legislation website before relying on this information.

We make every effort to keep our source references current and accurate. If you notice anything that appears out of date or incorrect, please contact us at support@bestr.com.au.