In three states there have been changes to legislation dealing with companion animals.

In New South Wales, following amendments to the Companion Animals Act 1998:

• From 1 July 2108 those convicted of animal cruelty offences are prohibited from keeping an animal and cost recovery can be ordered. The By Lawyers Neighbourhood Disputes NSW publication has been updated accordingly.
• The Register of Companion Animals, to go live later this year, will collect and make publicly accessible more detailed information on pets and pet owners.
• From 1 July next year (2019) annual permits will be required for restricted or dangerous dogs and also for cats that are not desexed by the age of 4 months.

In South Australia the Dog and Cat Management (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2016 has made microchipping of dogs and cats and the attachment of registration discs to their collars mandatory. By Lawyers Neighbourhood Disputes SA publication has been updated accordingly.

In Victoria changes introduced by the Domestic Animals Amendment (Restricted Breed Dogs) Act 2017 have been considered and the By Lawyers Neighbourhood Disputes VIC publication updated to include the new offence of not advising a person acquiring a dangerous dog that it is dangerous.