During the 2022 By-law review, Council adopted the By-law No 5 – Dog By-Laws 2022 at the 08 February 2022 Council Meeting.

The objectives of the Dog by-law are to control and manage dogs in the Council’s area:

• to promote responsible dog ownership;
• to reduce the incidence of public and environmental nuisance caused by dogs;
• to protect the comfort and safety of members of the public; and
• for the good rule and government of the Council’s area.

The By-Law includes limits on dog numbers and effective confinement of dogs.

For more information on Council's By-laws, visit Council By-laws

Dealing with dog behaviour issues like persistent barking or roaming can be challenging. Dogs that bark excessively or roam freely may be considered a nuisance.

For further information about barking dogs, visit the Dog and Cat Board website.

Harassment occurs when a dog causes distress or annoyance to a person without inflicting physical harm — for example, chasing a person or animal without biting.

Attack refers to a dog using force or acting aggressively in a way that causes physical injury, such as bruises, puncture wounds, or cuts.

If a dog attack occurs, your first priority should be seeking medical or veterinary assistance.

Once it is safe, please report the incident to Council.

For further information on attacks, visit the Dog and Cat Board website.

• To help keep our public spaces clean and enjoyable for everyone, Council has installed dog waste bag dispensers around the Karoonda township. These dispensers make it easier for pet owners to clean up after their dogs while out and about. Click the link below to view dispenser locations:
  
  Railway Terrace
  Tourist Park & Town Oval
  
  If you notice a dispenser is empty, please contact Council and quote the location of the dispenser. If you feel an area needs more dispensers, please email council@dckem.sa.gov.au

During the 2022 By-law review, Council adopted the By-law No 6 – Cat By-Law 2022 at the 08 February 2022 Council Meeting.

The objectives of the Cat by-law are to control and manage cats in the Council’s area:

• to promote responsible dog ownership;
• to reduce the incidence of public and environmental nuisance caused by cats;
• to protect the comfort and safety of members of the public; and
• for the good rule and government of the Council’s area.

The By-Law includes limits on cat numbers and effective confinement of cats.

For more information on Council's By-laws, visit Council By-laws

If a cat continues to frequent your property, there are a few simple deterrents you can try to help discourage it from returning:

• Keep the area damp, as cats typically avoid muddy or wet spaces.
• Cats dislike strong scents such as citrus, mustard, citronella oil, sprigs of rue, naphthalene flakes, and pepper. Try placing these in the areas where the cat tends to rest or dig.
• Cat repellent sprays are available from vets or garden centres.
• Consider planting prickly plants or cacti in your garden.
• Keep your yard tidy to reduce vermin or other small animals that cats may be hunting.
• Remove any food sources that may be attracting the cat.

Please note, these deterrents may not be effective for every cat. Switching methods from time to time can improve their effectiveness.

If the unwanted behaviour persists, contact Council to lodge a complaint about a nuisance cat.

Council also strongly discourages feeding unowned cats, as doing so makes you responsible for their care and wellbeing.

For further information on nuisance cats, visit the Dog & Cat Board website.