Do I have to pick up my dog’s waste in Adelaide?

Yes. Dog owners are required to remove their dog’s waste from public places under local by-laws and state animal management rules.

What happens if I don’t pick up dog waste?

You may receive an expiation notice or be liable for prosecution; exact penalty amounts are not specified on the cited page.

How do I report someone not cleaning up after their dog?

Report the location, time and any evidence to City of Adelaide By-law Enforcement through the council report channels listed in Help and Support.

Adelaide Dog Waste Laws - Fines & Clean-Up

Parks and Public Spaces South Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026

Adelaide, South Australia dog owners must follow local rules for cleaning up dog waste in parks and public spaces to avoid enforcement action and keep shared areas sanitary. This guide summarises City of Adelaide and South Australian responsibilities, explains how enforcement typically works, and outlines steps to report fouling and respond to a notice. For official council guidance see City of Adelaide dog rules^[1] and for state-level information see South Australia dogs information^[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Adelaide enforces dog control bylaws in parks and public spaces and may issue expiation notices, on-the-spot fines, or commence court action for breaches relating to dog waste. Specific monetary amounts for expiation or court fines are not specified on the cited council or state pages; see the official sources cited below for the controlling instruments and local enforcement contacts. The State Dog and Cat Management framework also sets broader offence and control powers but specific penalty figures are not specified on the cited page.

If you receive an expiation notice act quickly to check the notice for payment and appeal instructions.

Enforcer: City of Adelaide By-law Enforcement officers and authorised persons handle local complaints and notices.
Inspection and complaints: report fouling via the council reporting page or by contacting By-law Enforcement directly; see Help and Support below for links.
Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first offences may attract expiation notices; repeat or serious offences can be prosecuted in court — ranges not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: could include directions or orders to clean, court orders, and other remedies as allowed by bylaw or state law; specifics not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

The council does not publish a specific "dog waste" permit form for exemptions; where forms are used for related matters (dog registrations, lost/found reports) they are listed on council or state sites. No dedicated application for waiving a dog waste fine is published on the cited pages.

Keep a photo, time and location when reporting fouling to assist enforcement.

Common Violations

Failing to remove dog faeces from public parks and footpaths.
Allowing a dog to foul an area designated as off-limits or on a sports field.
Not carrying a means to clean up (where local rules require carriage of a bag or scoop).

Action Steps

If you see fouling, note the time and location and, if safe, take a photo.
Report the incident to City of Adelaide By-law Enforcement via the council reporting page or phone.
If issued an expiation notice, follow the notice instructions for payment or stated appeal process and deadlines.
To contest a notice, use the review/appeal path described on the notice or contact council for review information; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.

FAQ

Do I have to pick up my dog’s waste in Adelaide?: Yes. Dog owners are required to remove their dog’s waste from public places under local by-laws and state animal management rules.
What happens if I don’t pick up dog waste?: You may receive an expiation notice or be liable for prosecution; exact penalty amounts are not specified on the cited page.
How do I report someone not cleaning up after their dog?: Report the location, time and any evidence to City of Adelaide By-law Enforcement through the council report channels listed below.

How-To

Note the exact location, date and time of the incident and, if safe, take a clear photograph showing the dog and fouling.
Use the City of Adelaide online reporting form or phone line to file a complaint with By-law Enforcement, including your evidence.
Keep a copy of the report reference; if enforcement action is taken the council will use this information to investigate.
If you receive an expiation notice and wish to contest it, follow the review instructions on the notice or contact the council for appeal procedures.

Key Takeaways

Adelaide dog owners must clean up in public spaces to comply with local bylaws.
Enforcement is by City of Adelaide By-law officers; fines and escalation details should be checked on official pages.
Report fouling with time, place and photos to assist enforcement.