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Legislated By-Laws Review | No. 5 Dogs & No. 7 Cats

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Consultation has concluded, but read on to learn about the legislated review of By-Law No. 5: Dogs and By-Cat No 7: Cats...


Council has a general power to make By-Laws which are designed to provide good rule and governance and assist council in ensuring its spaces are convenient, safe and comfortable for the community. Council’s power to make a By-Law is derived from Section 246 of the Local Government Act 1999 (SA) which requires the review and formal adoption of the By-laws every seven years.

Six of Council's eight By-Laws went through the review process in late 2023. The remaining two By-Laws - By-Law No. 5: Dogs and By-Law No. 7: Cats - were reviewed and referred to the Dog and Cat


Council has a general power to make By-Laws which are designed to provide good rule and governance and assist council in ensuring its spaces are convenient, safe and comfortable for the community. Council’s power to make a By-Law is derived from Section 246 of the Local Government Act 1999 (SA) which requires the review and formal adoption of the By-laws every seven years.

Six of Council's eight By-Laws went through the review process in late 2023. The remaining two By-Laws - By-Law No. 5: Dogs and By-Law No. 7: Cats - were reviewed and referred to the Dog and Cat Management Board for comment in late 2023 before being open for comment from the community in July 2024.

The majority of the proposed changes are minor in nature and a result of legislative, interpretive or grammatical factors, however the key areas of change within the By-Laws are;

  • Increasing the limit of dogs kept on a rural property without the need for a permit to three (3) dogs (the limit kept on a property within a township remains at two (2) dogs).

  • Limiting the number of dogs and the number of cats kept on property to 10 (with a permit).


What will we do with your feedback?

The feedback received from the community will be collated and provided to Council along with recommendations for consideration before proceeding with the adoption of the By-Laws at the Council meeting scheduled for 20 August 2024.


Ways the community participated

A copy of both the updated Dogs By-Laws and the updated Cats By-Law including 'tracked changes' are provided for download under the 'Documents' section of this page and copies were available to view at the Council Office, Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Participants were invited to ask questions using the 'Ask a question' tab below. That way we were able to provide a response that everyone can read.

Comments on the updated By-Laws were received via the 'Share your comments' and 'Submission form' OR via:

  • Mail to Chief Executive Officer, District Council of Yankalilla, PO Box 9, YANKALILLA 5203 (marked ATTN: By-Laws Review)
  • Email to participate@yankalilla.sa.gov.au

If you would like to discuss the updated By-Laws with one of our staff members, please call (08) 8558 0200 or email participate@yankalilla.sa.gov.au.

Consultation has concluded, but read on to learn about the legislated review of By-Law No. 5: Dogs and By-Cat No 7: Cats...

Ask your questions here and we'll post the response so that everyone can read it.

  • Share Dogs... In by-law 7.2 it states that a property outside of the township can have three dogs as well as working dogs. Does this only apply to rural and primary production properties? 'Outside of a township' isn't that clear. Isn't three pet dogs as well as working dogs a bit excessive for one property, particularly if they wander? Cats... By-law 9.2.1 states that a person is not guilty of an offence if the cat is wandering at large within the designated span of hours. What are these hours? It's very hard to comment when you don't have all the information. on Facebook Share Dogs... In by-law 7.2 it states that a property outside of the township can have three dogs as well as working dogs. Does this only apply to rural and primary production properties? 'Outside of a township' isn't that clear. Isn't three pet dogs as well as working dogs a bit excessive for one property, particularly if they wander? Cats... By-law 9.2.1 states that a person is not guilty of an offence if the cat is wandering at large within the designated span of hours. What are these hours? It's very hard to comment when you don't have all the information. on Twitter Share Dogs... In by-law 7.2 it states that a property outside of the township can have three dogs as well as working dogs. Does this only apply to rural and primary production properties? 'Outside of a township' isn't that clear. Isn't three pet dogs as well as working dogs a bit excessive for one property, particularly if they wander? Cats... By-law 9.2.1 states that a person is not guilty of an offence if the cat is wandering at large within the designated span of hours. What are these hours? It's very hard to comment when you don't have all the information. on Linkedin Email Dogs... In by-law 7.2 it states that a property outside of the township can have three dogs as well as working dogs. Does this only apply to rural and primary production properties? 'Outside of a township' isn't that clear. Isn't three pet dogs as well as working dogs a bit excessive for one property, particularly if they wander? Cats... By-law 9.2.1 states that a person is not guilty of an offence if the cat is wandering at large within the designated span of hours. What are these hours? It's very hard to comment when you don't have all the information. link

    Dogs... In by-law 7.2 it states that a property outside of the township can have three dogs as well as working dogs. Does this only apply to rural and primary production properties? 'Outside of a township' isn't that clear. Isn't three pet dogs as well as working dogs a bit excessive for one property, particularly if they wander? Cats... By-law 9.2.1 states that a person is not guilty of an offence if the cat is wandering at large within the designated span of hours. What are these hours? It's very hard to comment when you don't have all the information.

    bev cotton asked 4 months ago

    The individual township mean the township boundaries gazetted in 2018. Copies of the township plans can be found on our website within our fire prevention section: https://www.yankalilla.sa.gov.au/contact/applications-and-requests/fire-permits-outside-fire-season. If there are dogs wandering at large at any properties within within a township or in a rural area please reach out to our ranger services to follow this up with the owners to resolve the issue. 

    Re the span of hours this would be determined in phase two where Council considers the controls that supplement the bylaws. Currently there are no designated times in which a Cat can wander meaning they should be confined to the owners property.  This provision would allow the establishment of exercise areas similar to what we have with Dogs. If there is a desire from the community and the council sets times this provision would allow this to occur. However if there was no appetite for this to occur from the community then cats would be need to be confined to the property at all times. 

  • Share Seeking clarity on 4.2 ä person must not allow a dog to be or remain on any local government land identified as Hooded Plover Breeding Site....etc. Can you please confirm if the area dogs are not allowed is only within the 50m signed exclusion and fenced breeding zone, or anywhere on that land regardless of distance while the temporary fence is erected and signage in place? on Facebook Share Seeking clarity on 4.2 ä person must not allow a dog to be or remain on any local government land identified as Hooded Plover Breeding Site....etc. Can you please confirm if the area dogs are not allowed is only within the 50m signed exclusion and fenced breeding zone, or anywhere on that land regardless of distance while the temporary fence is erected and signage in place? on Twitter Share Seeking clarity on 4.2 ä person must not allow a dog to be or remain on any local government land identified as Hooded Plover Breeding Site....etc. Can you please confirm if the area dogs are not allowed is only within the 50m signed exclusion and fenced breeding zone, or anywhere on that land regardless of distance while the temporary fence is erected and signage in place? on Linkedin Email Seeking clarity on 4.2 ä person must not allow a dog to be or remain on any local government land identified as Hooded Plover Breeding Site....etc. Can you please confirm if the area dogs are not allowed is only within the 50m signed exclusion and fenced breeding zone, or anywhere on that land regardless of distance while the temporary fence is erected and signage in place? link

    Seeking clarity on 4.2 ä person must not allow a dog to be or remain on any local government land identified as Hooded Plover Breeding Site....etc. Can you please confirm if the area dogs are not allowed is only within the 50m signed exclusion and fenced breeding zone, or anywhere on that land regardless of distance while the temporary fence is erected and signage in place?

    Fredjenn asked 4 months ago

    The restriction would apply to the distance from any signage and or fencing indicating a hooded plover was actively breeding in the immediate area. 

  • Share The section 5 Dog on Leash area is not clear when it comes to council pavements, trails and footpaths. Neither does it refer to coastal and other reserves or areas of cultural significance or land care areas being cared for by local land care and community groups. The Wirrina foreshore footpath is an example where dogs are allowed off lead on a narrow public foot path in conflict with walkers and sensitive coastal and cultural areas. Under the new regulation will these areas be classified as dogs on leash or dogs off leash. Also it needs to be made clear in places like Wirrina if council will be providing clear and appropriate signage and poo bags. on Facebook Share The section 5 Dog on Leash area is not clear when it comes to council pavements, trails and footpaths. Neither does it refer to coastal and other reserves or areas of cultural significance or land care areas being cared for by local land care and community groups. The Wirrina foreshore footpath is an example where dogs are allowed off lead on a narrow public foot path in conflict with walkers and sensitive coastal and cultural areas. Under the new regulation will these areas be classified as dogs on leash or dogs off leash. Also it needs to be made clear in places like Wirrina if council will be providing clear and appropriate signage and poo bags. on Twitter Share The section 5 Dog on Leash area is not clear when it comes to council pavements, trails and footpaths. Neither does it refer to coastal and other reserves or areas of cultural significance or land care areas being cared for by local land care and community groups. The Wirrina foreshore footpath is an example where dogs are allowed off lead on a narrow public foot path in conflict with walkers and sensitive coastal and cultural areas. Under the new regulation will these areas be classified as dogs on leash or dogs off leash. Also it needs to be made clear in places like Wirrina if council will be providing clear and appropriate signage and poo bags. on Linkedin Email The section 5 Dog on Leash area is not clear when it comes to council pavements, trails and footpaths. Neither does it refer to coastal and other reserves or areas of cultural significance or land care areas being cared for by local land care and community groups. The Wirrina foreshore footpath is an example where dogs are allowed off lead on a narrow public foot path in conflict with walkers and sensitive coastal and cultural areas. Under the new regulation will these areas be classified as dogs on leash or dogs off leash. Also it needs to be made clear in places like Wirrina if council will be providing clear and appropriate signage and poo bags. link

    The section 5 Dog on Leash area is not clear when it comes to council pavements, trails and footpaths. Neither does it refer to coastal and other reserves or areas of cultural significance or land care areas being cared for by local land care and community groups. The Wirrina foreshore footpath is an example where dogs are allowed off lead on a narrow public foot path in conflict with walkers and sensitive coastal and cultural areas. Under the new regulation will these areas be classified as dogs on leash or dogs off leash. Also it needs to be made clear in places like Wirrina if council will be providing clear and appropriate signage and poo bags.

    SpJp asked 4 months ago

    The specific areas and dog exercise areas are detailed in the controls that complement the bylaws, these can be found on councils website https://www.yankalilla.sa.gov.au/services/animals-and-pests/dogs-and-cats/exercising-dogs-on-district-beaches-and-reserves#:~:text=Council%20has%20implemented%20dog%20on,Bungala%20Park%20(see%20below). Once the consultation of the by laws are completed and if the by laws are ultimately adopted by council, a second phase of consultation will be undertaken to review the controls and exercise areas. The foreshore at Wirrina is a mix of Council and privately owned land, Currently the Wirrina area is not specifically mentioned within these controls, however dog would still need to be under effective control at all times (on Council land). Within the review of the controls there may be scope to include Wirrina specifically. If you would like to discuss the matter further please contact our customer service team on 8558 0200 and speak to a compliance officer who may be able to answer your specific questions

  • Share A local resident has permission for a dog kennel. His neighbors were not consulted. Assuming all goes well there will be minimum noise. If not a few of the more elderly frail may be forced to relocate. The question is if this represents an action on council that deliberates places in harms way vulnerable residents through non consultation. on Facebook Share A local resident has permission for a dog kennel. His neighbors were not consulted. Assuming all goes well there will be minimum noise. If not a few of the more elderly frail may be forced to relocate. The question is if this represents an action on council that deliberates places in harms way vulnerable residents through non consultation. on Twitter Share A local resident has permission for a dog kennel. His neighbors were not consulted. Assuming all goes well there will be minimum noise. If not a few of the more elderly frail may be forced to relocate. The question is if this represents an action on council that deliberates places in harms way vulnerable residents through non consultation. on Linkedin Email A local resident has permission for a dog kennel. His neighbors were not consulted. Assuming all goes well there will be minimum noise. If not a few of the more elderly frail may be forced to relocate. The question is if this represents an action on council that deliberates places in harms way vulnerable residents through non consultation. link

    A local resident has permission for a dog kennel. His neighbors were not consulted. Assuming all goes well there will be minimum noise. If not a few of the more elderly frail may be forced to relocate. The question is if this represents an action on council that deliberates places in harms way vulnerable residents through non consultation.

    healionr asked 4 months ago

    Your question appears to be in relation to quite a specific situation. In order to be able to provide you a more specific response to address your concerns, please contact our customer service team on 85580200 to speak with an Compliance offer to discuss further. 

  • Share What can we do about unwanted neighbour’s cats wandering around our property in the middle of the night please? on Facebook Share What can we do about unwanted neighbour’s cats wandering around our property in the middle of the night please? on Twitter Share What can we do about unwanted neighbour’s cats wandering around our property in the middle of the night please? on Linkedin Email What can we do about unwanted neighbour’s cats wandering around our property in the middle of the night please? link

    What can we do about unwanted neighbour’s cats wandering around our property in the middle of the night please?

    Gabby asked 4 months ago

     Council can investigate situations of wandering Cats within the community, working with the owner and other affected parties to find a workable solution.  For further information feel free to contact one of our customer service team to discuss your issue further on 8558 0200

  • Share What can we do about unwanted neighbour’s cats wandering around our property in the middle of the night please? on Facebook Share What can we do about unwanted neighbour’s cats wandering around our property in the middle of the night please? on Twitter Share What can we do about unwanted neighbour’s cats wandering around our property in the middle of the night please? on Linkedin Email What can we do about unwanted neighbour’s cats wandering around our property in the middle of the night please? link

    What can we do about unwanted neighbour’s cats wandering around our property in the middle of the night please?

    Gabby asked 4 months ago

     Council can investigate situations of wandering Cats within the community, working with the owner and other affected parties to find a workable solution.  For further information feel free to contact one of our customer service team to discuss your issue further on 8558 0200

  • Share What is the permit? We've paid extra for a council inspection each time We've adopted a new dog. Live rurally. Is this the permit? on Facebook Share What is the permit? We've paid extra for a council inspection each time We've adopted a new dog. Live rurally. Is this the permit? on Twitter Share What is the permit? We've paid extra for a council inspection each time We've adopted a new dog. Live rurally. Is this the permit? on Linkedin Email What is the permit? We've paid extra for a council inspection each time We've adopted a new dog. Live rurally. Is this the permit? link

    What is the permit? We've paid extra for a council inspection each time We've adopted a new dog. Live rurally. Is this the permit?

    Corinne asked 4 months ago

    Within the 2016 dogs bylaw there was a limit of 2 dogs on a single property without a permit. The draft dogs bylaw lifts this number to 3 within the rural areas (outside the townships). If you have an existing permit permitting you to hold three or more dogs these permits would still be valid within both rural and township areas. If you have a new dog and would like this added to your permit please contact our customer service team to speak to one our general inspectors and they will be able to work through this with you.

  • Share Does the council have the authority to take action where a resident has a dog which barks non stop for hours on end? on Facebook Share Does the council have the authority to take action where a resident has a dog which barks non stop for hours on end? on Twitter Share Does the council have the authority to take action where a resident has a dog which barks non stop for hours on end? on Linkedin Email Does the council have the authority to take action where a resident has a dog which barks non stop for hours on end? link

    Does the council have the authority to take action where a resident has a dog which barks non stop for hours on end?

    Kerry asked 4 months ago

    Council can investigate situations of barking dogs complaints within the community, working with the owner and other affected parties to find a workable solution.  For further information feel free to contact one of our customer service team to discuss your concerns on 8558 0200