Impounding Act 1920 (South Australia)

The Impounding Act 1920 (SA) creates a legal framework for the seizure, detention, maintenance, sale, release, and destruction of "cattle" found trespassing or at large in South Australia. Mechanically the Act does the following.

Authorises councils and the Governor to establish public pounds and appoint poundkeepers (s 4). Councils may co-operate in establishing pounds outside their district (s 4(1a)). Gazette notices of establishment or appointment are prima facie evidence (s 5).
Specifies the duties of pounds and poundkeepers: fencing and repair, separate accommodation for infectious animals, provision of shelter and constant access to wholesome water, feeding schedules, keeping and public inspection of a pound book, displaying a board of fees and damage rates, and monthly accounting of receipts (ss 7, 7A, 8, 11, 12, 13).
Gives multiple classes of persons authority to impound cattle: the landowner or occupier, rangers, council officers, persons authorised by councils or rangers, and any person in a town or township (ss 14, 15). There are express provisions for impounding on private land where no public pound is within eight kilometres (s 15).
Prescribes procedural steps when cattle are impounded: notice to poundkeeper and owner (s 22, s 25), posting at the pound (s 24), time limits before sale (s 32, s 33), and how sales must be conducted (s 33). Notices may be published on a Minister-determined website or in a local newspaper (ss 25(5), 33(2)(c)).
Establishes fees, sustenance charges and damage rates in Schedules 4, 5 and 6, and empowers the Governor, and a council with Ministerial consent, to vary those fees and rates (s 19). The person impounding is not liable for poundkeeper fees simply because they impounded cattle (s 20).

South Australia Impounding Act 1920 An Act relating to the impounding of cattle.

Contents Part 1—Preliminary 1 Short title 3 Interpretation Part 2—Pounds and poundkeepers 4 Establishment of pounds and appointment of poundkeepers 5 Notice in Gazette to be evidence of establishment of pound or appointment of poundkeeper 6 Governor or council may close pound 7 Pound to be fenced, enclosed, and kept clean and in repair 7A Provision of shelter in pounds 8 Constant supply of water to be maintained 9 Persons using or milking cattle without consent of owner 11 Pound book, copy of this Act, and file of Gazette to be kept by poundkeeper 12 Poundkeeper to keep a board of fees and charges, and rates for ordinary damage 13 Poundage fees and charges, how to be accounted for Part 3—Impounding of cattle 14 Power to impound cattle 15 Owner may impound on his own land cattle trespassing on such land 15A Cattle to be impounded may be driven or conveyed to pound 16 Impounding unlawfully or in unauthorised place 17 Fees to be paid to poundkeeper 18 Rates for damage by trespass 19 Fees and rates may be varied 20 Person impounding not liable to fees 21 Cattle to be restored to owner on payment or tender of amount claimed 22 Notice to be given by person impounding cattle in public pound 23 Duty and responsibility of poundkeeper 24 Notice of cattle impounded to be posted up at pound 25 Notice of impounding 26 Poundkeeper may charge for service of notice Part 4—Disposal of cattle impounded 27 Cattle to be released on payment of damages and poundkeeper's fees and charges 28 Sum payable in respect of cattle impounded may be secured 29 Payment under protest where owner alleges amount claimed is excessive 30 Delivery of cattle on recognizance without payment of damages 31 Payment to person impounding of money received in respect of cattle impounded 32 Proceedings prior to sale by poundkeeper of unclaimed cattle 33 Time and mode of sale of impounded cattle 34 Special provision with reference to valueless cattle 35 Special provision with reference to goats seized under section 14 36 Justice may order unsold cattle to be destroyed 37 Purchaser not bound to prove regularity of sale 38 Poundkeeper may recover fees and charges from owner of cattle 39 Justice may order destruction of dying or diseased cattle impounded 40 Application of money arising from sale of cattle impounded Part 5—Miscellaneous 41 Goats, pigs, poultry etc may be destroyed 42 Stray cattle not to be taken away without notice to owner of land where they are 43 Pound rescues or breaches 44 Penalty for taking down rails or opening gates, to let cattle into or out of enclosed land 45 Penalty for allowing any bull, stallion, colt or ram to be at large 45A Duty of supervision in relation to bulls, stallions and rams 46 Liability of owner of straying cattle 46A Provision as to leasing of roads etc 48 Actions for full compensation for trespass 49 Damage must be sustained within one month of commencement of action 53 Mode of distribution of fines etc Schedule 3—Form of poundkeeper's book Schedule 4—Table of fees chargeable by ranger in respect of impounding of cattle Schedule 5—Fees for cattle impounded Schedule 6—Rates for damage by trespass by cattle Schedule 7—Form of advertisement in a newspaper circulating in the locality Schedule 8—Form of undertaking where cattle are released without payment of moneys due in respect thereof Legislative history

The Parliament of South Australia enacts as follows: Part 1—Preliminary 1—Short title This Act may be cited as the Impounding Act 1920. 3—Interpretation (1) In this Act, unless some other meaning is clearly intended— cattle includes the several animals mentioned in Schedules 5 and 6; council means a municipal or a district council; district means a district council district or a municipality; enclosed means enclosed with a good and substantial fence; nearest public pound means the public pound nearest by distance measured along the shortest route usually used in travelling; owner includes the agent, overseer, bailiff, and manager for the owner, and when used with reference to land includes the occupier. (2) For the purposes of this Act, when a suckling animal under six months old is running with its mother, the two shall together be deemed one animal. Part 2—Pounds and poundkeepers 4—Establishment of pounds and appointment of poundkeepers (1) Any council may establish and maintain within its district one or more public pounds, and may appoint fit and proper persons to be keepers of such pounds. (1a) Any council may join with any other council or councils in the establishment or maintenance of any public pound, notwithstanding that such public pound is not within the district of such first-mentioned council. (2) With regard to any portion of the State not within the boundaries of any district, the Governor may establish public pounds at such places as he deems necessary, and may appoint fit and proper persons to be keepers of such pounds. (3) No person holding the office of ranger under the Crown or under any council, or holding a publican's licence, shall be appointed a poundkeeper. 5—Notice in Gazette to be evidence of establishment of pound or appointment of poundkeeper A notice of the establishment of any public pound or of the appointment or removal of any poundkeeper shall be published in the Government Gazette, and such notice shall in all legal proceedings, and for all intents and purposes, be prima facie evidence that such pound was legally established, or that such poundkeeper has been legally appointed or removed, as the case may be. 6—Governor or council may close pound (1) The Governor may close any pound established by him, and any council may close any pound established within the district of such council. (2) Notice of the intended closing of a pound shall be given to the keeper thereof, and at the same time or prior to such notice being given to the poundkeeper, notice of the intended closing of such pound shall be published in the Government Gazette. (3) After the receipt by the poundkeeper of the notice of the intended closing of such pound, no more cattle shall be impounded therein, and upon any cattle impounded therein at the time of such notice being released, sold, or otherwise disposed of, the appointment of such poundkeeper shall cease and determine, except in so far as relates to his liability to render accounts and pay over moneys as provided by this Act, and the pound shall be closed. 7—Pound to be fenced, enclosed, and kept clean and in repair (1) Every public pound shall be properly enclosed and adapted, so far as may be, for keeping cattle infected with any contagious or infectious disease separate and apart from other cattle, and shall be kept clean and in good repair by the keeper thereof. (2) If the keeper of any public pound— (a) does not keep such pound clean and in good repair; or (b) knowingly keeps or permits to be kept therein any cattle infected with any contagious or infectious disease in the same enclosure with cattle not so infected; or (c) does not supply the cattle for the time being impounded therein with a sufficiency of wholesome food at least twice a day, once before the hour of nine o'clock in the forenoon, and once after the hour of four o'clock in the afternoon, such poundkeeper shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding forty dollars. 7A—Provision of shelter in pounds In every public pound there shall be provided and maintained adequate shelter for cattle impounded in the public pound. 8—Constant supply of water to be maintained There shall be maintained in every pound a constant supply of wholesome water by means of troughs or by any other means in such a manner as to afford any cattle impounded therein free access to the water at all times. 9—Persons using or milking cattle without consent of owner Any person— (a) who, without the authority and consent of the owner, works or uses any cattle impounded in any public pound; or (b) who, not being the keeper of the public pound or the owner of the cow or goat in question, or a person authorised in that behalf by the poundkeeper or such owner, milks any cow or goat impounded in any public pound, shall be liable to a penalty of not less than eight dollars and not more than one hundred and sixty dollars, and shall pay to the owner of such cattle or cow or goat such sum as the court, at the hearing of the information or complaint, adjudges as just and reasonable for such owner's compensation and costs in that behalf. 11—Pound book, copy of this Act, and file of Gazette to be kept by poundkeeper (1) The keeper of every public pound shall be provided by the authority appointing him with a copy of this Act and with a book in the form in Schedule 3, to be called the pound book, and shall be furnished by the Government Printer with a copy of the Government Gazette containing the notice of the appointment of that poundkeeper. (2) Such poundkeeper shall make entries, in a legible handwriting, in the pound book stating, with respect to all cattle impounded in such pound, the particulars indicated in Schedule 3. No such entry shall be made after any dispute has arisen concerning such entry. Any person to whom any cattle impounded in such pound are delivered shall sign the pound book in the appropriate place. The poundkeeper shall, on the last day of each month, transmit to the treasurer of the council or to the Treasurer of the State (according as the pound is situated within or outside the boundaries of a district) a true copy of all the entries made in the pound book during such month. (3) The pound book shall be and remain public property, and shall be delivered up to the authority appointing him by the poundkeeper on his ceasing to hold that office, or sooner if demanded. (4) The copy of this Act, the pound book, and the copy of the Government Gazette containing the notice of his appointment and furnished to him as aforesaid by the Government Printer shall be kept by the poundkeeper at or near the pound, and shall at all reasonable times be produced by him to, and be open for inspection by, any person desiring to inspect the same. The poundkeeper shall, if required, grant extracts (signed by himself) from the pound book upon payment of twenty cents for every one hundred words or part of one hundred words of each such extract. (5) The poundkeeper shall file and preserve, for not less than two years, all orders made by any justice concerning any cattle impounded. (6) Any poundkeeper who— (a) neglects or refuses to produce, free of charge, a copy of this Act, the pound book, or the copy of the Government Gazette furnished to him as aforesaid by the Government Printer, for the inspection of any person desiring to inspect the same; or (b) neglects to make any entry in the pound book as hereinbefore provided, and any person to whom any cattle impounded are delivered who neglects or refuses to sign the pound book as hereinbefore provided, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding eighty dollars. (7) Any poundkeeper who— (a) wilfully delays making any entry in the pound book as hereinbefore provided; or (b) knowingly makes any false entry in the pound book; or (c) erases or destroys any entry previously made in the pound book, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding one hundred and sixty dollars. 12—Poundkeeper to keep a board of fees and charges, and rates for ordinary damage (1) The keeper of every public pound shall, within fourteen days after his appointment, erect and thereafter maintain in proper repair, in some conspicuous part of the pound, a board on which shall be displayed a table of all lawful fees and charges which he is, according to the provisions of this Act, authorised to charge, together with a table of the rates at which damages may be claimed under this Act for trespass by cattle. Any such table may be printed or typed in legible characters upon white cloth or paper in which event the table shall be protected from the weather by clear glass or may be painted upon the said board in legible characters. (2) Any poundkeeper who— (a) neglects or fails to erect such board as aforesaid, or to maintain the same in proper repair, or to maintain the characters thereon in a legible condition; or (b) neglects or fails, for more than fourteen days after any of the fees, charges, or rates therein have been lawfully varied, to make any alteration in the said tables which may have become necessary by reason of such variation; or (c) knowingly suffers to remain on such board any false statement shall, for every day on which such neglect or failure occurs (except during such reasonable time as such board is taken down for alteration thereon or repair thereto) be liable to a penalty of one dollar, and for every day that he knowingly suffers any false statement to remain on such board to a penalty of two dollars. 13—Poundage fees and charges, how to be accounted for (1) The keeper of every public pound not situate within the boundaries of a district shall duly and faithfully, on the last day of every month, render an account to the Treasurer of the State of all moneys received by him as such poundkeeper during the month, and of all moneys so received by him in respect of the sale of cattle impounded or in respect of the sale of any carcasses of any such cattle, which are unclaimed by the person entitled thereto (which unclaimed moneys are hereafter in this section referred to as the unclaimed proceeds), and shall at the same time pay over to the Treasurer so much of the unclaimed proceeds as have remained in his hands for one month without being claimed by the person entitled thereto. (2) The poundkeeper of every public pound situated within the boundaries of a district shall, on the last day of every month, duly and faithfully render an account to the council of such district of all moneys received by him as such poundkeeper during the month, and of all moneys received by him in respect of the sale of cattle impounded or in respect of the sale of any carcasses of any such cattle, which are unclaimed by the person entitled thereto (which unclaimed moneys are hereafter in this section referred to as the unclaimed proceeds), and shall at the same time pay over to such council so much of the unclaimed proceeds as have remained in his hands for one month without being claimed by the person entitled thereto. (3) The Treasurer and such council shall retain all such unclaimed proceeds for a period of two years, for the use of the persons entitled thereto. At any time during such period any justice may, on proof to his satisfaction, make an order authorising payment of any such unclaimed proceeds to the person entitled thereto, and the Treasurer and such council shall make payment accordingly, and shall by such order be indemnified against all adverse claims in respect of such proceeds so paid. (4) If during such period of two years no such order is made, the unclaimed proceeds may be applied by the Treasurer to the public uses of the State, or by such council for the use and benefit of its district, as the case may be. (5) Any poundkeeper who neglects or fails to render any account or pay over any moneys as hereby required shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding forty dollars. Part 3—Impounding of cattle 14—Power to impound cattle (1) Any cattle found trespassing upon any land may be impounded in the nearest public pound by the owner of such land or by any ranger. (2) Any ranger duly appointed in that behalf, any officer of the council, and any person authorised in that behalf by any such officer may impound any cattle found wandering, straying, or lying upon any road, bridge, parklands, reserve, or Crown lands within any district or upon any road, reserve, foreshore, jetty, wharf, or approach within any district which is vested in or under the control of the Minister of Marine. Any ranger officer or person so impounding any cattle may claim fees at the rate set out in Schedule 4 in respect of any number of animals belonging to any one owner so impounded at one time, and such sum may be recovered in the same manner as the poundkeeper's fees and charges. Any such cattle found on any road which comprises a boundary of the district or which abuts on the district may be impounded by any such ranger, officer, or person as aforesaid, notwithstanding that the part of the road on which the cattle are found as aforesaid is outside the district. (3) The occupier of any enclosed land may seize and impound— (a) any cattle found wandering, straying, or lying upon any road immediately adjacent to or fronting the enclosed land of such occupier; or (b) any cattle found feeding off such enclosed land, notwithstanding that such cattle may be lawfully depastured upon such road. (4) Any person may seize and impound in the nearest public pound any cattle straying or at large or unlawfully tethered or depastured in any street or public place within any town or township. (5) Any goat unlawfully trespassing upon Crown lands, may be seized and impounded by a Crown lands ranger, or by any person authorised in that behalf by the Minister of Lands or by a Crown lands ranger, and if there is no public pound within five miles of the place where it is seized it may be impounded elsewhere. Notwithstanding anything contained in section 35, no full bred Angora, Saanen, Toggenburg, British Alpine, or Anglo Nubian goat so seized and impounded shall be destroyed. (6) In this section— Crown lands means Crown lands within the meaning of the Crown Lands Act 1929 and includes lands reserved for or dedicated to the public use. 15—Owner may impound on his own land cattle trespassing on such land (1) The owner of any land on which any cattle are found trespassing may impound such cattle in any convenient place upon his own land if there is not a public pound situated within eight kilometres of such land. (2) Such owner shall, within twenty-four hours of such impounding— (a) if the owner of any of such cattle is known to him, give to the owner of such cattle, or leave at his usual or last known place of abode in the said State, notice of such impounding, specifying, with respect to such of the cattle as are owned by him, the same particulars as are, by section 22, required to be specified in the notice given to the keeper of any public pound by any person impounding cattle therein; and (b) if the owner of any of such cattle is unknown to him, give to the keeper of the nearest public pound the same notice specifying the same particulars with respect to the cattle whose owner is unknown to him as is, by section 22, required to be given to such keeper by any person impounding cattle in such pound. (3) The owner impounding cattle as aforesaid shall feed and maintain the cattle whilst impounded, and shall not keep them so impounded longer than seven whole days of twenty-four hours each. If the owner of such cattle does not within that period pay to the owner impounding such cattle the amount of damages claimed in respect of the trespass of such cattle, together with charges for the sustenance of such cattle whilst so impounded, at the same rates as are chargeable by the keeper of the nearest public pound, the owner of the land may impound them in the nearest public pound. (4) The owner impounding cattle as aforesaid may claim in respect of the cattle so impounded sustenance charges in respect of the sustenance of such cattle whilst impounded by him on his own land at the rates chargeable by the keeper of the nearest public pound, in addition to any damages claimed for the trespass of such cattle on his land. 15A—Cattle to be impounded may be driven or conveyed to pound (1) Any cattle to be impounded under section 14 or section 15 of this Act may be driven or led to the pound or place where the cattle are to be so impounded or may be conveyed to that pound or place by any vehicle suitable for the purpose. (2) Where any such cattle are conveyed by any vehicle to a pound or place to be impounded the ranger or person so conveying them or causing them so to be conveyed may claim the cost of such conveyance and such cost may be recovered in the same manner as a poundkeeper's fees and charges. 16—Impounding unlawfully or in unauthorised place Any person who impounds any cattle unlawfully or in any place not authorised by this Act shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding eighty dollars. 17—Fees to be paid to poundkeeper (1) Every poundkeeper may charge, as poundage fees for cattle impounded under the provisions of this Act, the fees specified in Schedule 5, and, for the sustenance of such cattle while impounded, charges as the rates specified in the said Schedule, according to the description of the cattle impounded contained in the said Schedule. (2) Such fees and charges shall be chargeable for each day, or part of a day, during which such cattle remain impounded. 18—Rates for damage by trespass (1) The owner of any land impounding any cattle found trespassing thereon may claim damages in respect of such trespass, at the rates for damage by trespass specified in Schedule 6, according to the description of the cattle, and the description of the land or crop on which such trespass is committed, contained in the said Schedule. (2) If any cattle are found trespassing upon any unenclosed land— (a) after three days' notice in writing not to trespass upon such land has been given to the owner of such cattle by the owner of such land, either by being delivered personally or by being left for him at his usual or last known place of abode in the State; or (b) after fourteen days' notice not to trespass on such land, describing the same by the numbers of the sections or other precise and accurate description, has been published in the Government Gazette, the owner of such land may lawfully claim damages in respect of such trespass at one-fourth of the rate for damage by trespass which he could lawfully claim if the land upon which such cattle were found trespassing was enclosed. 19—Fees and rates may be varied (1) The Governor may, with respect to any public pound not situated within the boundaries of any district, and with the consent in writing of the Minister any council may, with respect to any pound situated within the boundaries of its district, vary the fees, charges, and rates specified in Schedules 4, 5 and 6. (2) Notice of any such variation shall be published in the Government Gazette, and from the date of such publication the said fees and charges as so varied may be charged, and damage for trespass, at the rates as so varied, may be claimed, according to the provisions of this Act. 20—Person impounding not liable to fees The person impounding any cattle in any public pound shall not be liable, by reason only of such impounding, to pay to the poundkeeper any fees or charges in respect of such cattle. 21—Cattle to be restored to owner on payment or tender of amount claimed (1) If any cattle found trespassing upon any land have been seized for the purpose of being impounded, the owner of the cattle, or some person authorised by him, may pay or tender to the person having charge of such cattle before such cattle have been actually impounded all sums claimed and payable under this Act in respect of such cattle, whether for damage by trespass, sustenance, or to the ranger in respect of such impounding, and thereupon the person having charge of such cattle as aforesaid shall deliver up the same to the owner or the person paying or tendering the sums so claimed. (2) If any person refuses or fails to deliver up such cattle on payment or tender as aforesaid he shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding eighty dollars. 22—Notice to be given by person impounding cattle in public pound Any person impounding any cattle in any public pound shall give notice to the keeper thereof, specifying— (a) the number and kinds of the cattle impounded; and (b) the name of the owner, if known, or of the supposed owner of such cattle, or stating the fact that he is unknown; and (c) the place where the cattle were found trespassing; and (d) the sum claimed for damage by trespass of such cattle (if any) and for the sustenance thereof (if any) whilst impounded on the land of the person by whom such cattle were impounded. 23—Duty and responsibility of poundkeeper (1) The keeper of every public pound shall receive into his custody any cattle impounded in the pound, and shall detain the same in his custody, whether in the pound or elsewhere, until they are released, sold, or otherwise disposed of, according to the provisions of this Act. (2) The poundkeeper shall be responsible to the owner of any cattle impounded for loss or damage sustained by the poundkeeper's wilful act or neglect, or the wilful act or neglect of any of his servants, but not otherwise, until such cattle are released, sold, or otherwise disposed of, according to the provisions of this Act. 24—Notice of cattle impounded to be posted up at pound (1) The keeper of every public pound, whenever and as soon as any cattle are impounded therein, shall post a written notice on a board on some conspicuous part of the pound, setting forth a description of such cattle. (2) Such a notice shall be kept posted until such cattle have been released, sold, or otherwise disposed of, according to the provisions of this Act. (3) Every poundkeeper who fails to post such notice as aforesaid, or to keep such notice so posted as aforesaid, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding sixteen dollars. 25—Notice of impounding (1) If any cattle impounded in any public pound are not claimed by the owner or by some person on his behalf within twenty-four hours after being impounded, the poundkeeper shall, subject to subsection (6) hereof, give notice of impounding as hereinafter provided. (2) If the owner of any cattle so impounded is known to the poundkeeper, written notice of the impounding shall be given to the owner— (a) by delivering the notice personally to the owner; or (b) by sending the notice by post addressed to the owner to his usual or last known place of residence or business in the State. (3) Where the notice is to be given by delivering it personally to the owner, it shall be given within forty-eight hours after the time when the cattle were impounded, and where the notice is to be sent by post, it shall be posted as soon as practicable after the expiration of twenty-four hours after the time of such impounding. (4) Every such notice shall be in writing and shall specify— (a) the same particulars as are by section 22 required to be given to the poundkeeper by the person impounding such cattle; and (b) the time and place of the sale of such cattle, if not sooner released from the pound; and (c) the sum upon payment of which the cattle will be released. (5) If the owner of any cattle so impounded is unknown to the poundkeeper, such poundkeeper shall, as soon as possible after the expiration of twenty-four hours from the time of impounding such cattle, cause a notice of such impounding in the form of Schedule 7 to be published on a website determined by the Minister or in some newspaper circulating in the locality in which the public pound is situated. (6) When the cattle impounded consist of sheep, goats, swine, or calves, and are not more than two in number, it shall not be necessary to give any notice of such impounding other than the posting of notice thereof on the pound as provided by section 24. (7) If any poundkeeper, without sufficient excuse, (the proof whereof shall be on the poundkeeper), incorrectly, or in an insufficient manner, describes any impounded cattle in any notice or advertisement required or permitted by this Act to be given or published, or in any such notice or advertisement fixes a time for the sale of such cattle earlier than provided by this Act, such poundkeeper shall be liable to a penalty of not more than eighty dollars. 26—Poundkeeper may charge for service of notice (1) Every poundkeeper may charge— (a) the sum of ten cents for delivery or sending by post the notice of impounding; and (b) the amount incurred if the notice is published in a newspaper as provided by this Act. (2) Every poundkeeper may, subject to subsection (3) hereof, also charge for the delivery of such notice, by himself or by any person employed by him for that purpose, the sum of ten cents for every kilometre or part of a kilometre of the distance to the place at which such notice is delivered or left from the pound wherein are impounded, the cattle to which such notice relates. (3) In any case where notice of impounding is by section 25 permitted to be sent by post, the poundkeeper may charge for the delivery or the posting of such notice ten cents for every kilometre or part of a kilometre of the distance from the pound to the nearest post office, and no more. Part 4—Disposal of cattle impounded 27—Cattle to be released on payment of damages and poundkeeper's fees and charges (1) The keeper of every public pound— (a) upon payment of any sum claimed for damage by trespass in respect of any cattle impounded, together with his lawful fees and charges in respect of such cattle, being made to him or secured to him as hereinafter provided; or (b) upon receipt of a written order from the person impounding such cattle to release the same, and upon payment of his lawful fees and charges in respect of such cattle, shall release such cattle and deliver them to the owner thereof or to any other person duly authorised by such owner to receive them: Provided that no poundkeeper shall be required to release and deliver any cattle except between the hours of sunrise and sunset. (2) The keeper of any public pound who— (a) receives in respect of the release and delivery of any cattle impounded therein any sum greater than the sum upon payment of which he is by this Act required to release and deliver any such cattle; or (b) upon such payment as aforesaid being made or secured to him, or upon receipt of such written order as aforesaid, together with his lawful fees and charges, fails to release or deliver any such cattle, shall be liable to a penalty of not less than sixteen dollars nor more than forty dollars. 28—Sum payable in respect of cattle impounded may be secured (1) Notwithstanding that the moneys payable pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section 27 have not been paid, the keeper of any public pound may, upon receiving an undertaking in writing to secure the payment of the said moneys in the form in Schedule 8 signed by the owner of the impounded cattle or by some person on his behalf, release the cattle and deliver them to the owner thereof or to any person authorised in writing by the owner to receive them. (2) The sum mentioned in every such undertaking shall be paid at the time and place therein mentioned, without any further notice or demand for that purpose. Upon failure of payment as mentioned in such undertaking, the sum secured by such undertaking may be recovered by summary process of distress and sale of the goods of the owner of the cattle so impounded, which process shall be issued by any justice upon the production before such justice of such undertaking, and upon the oath of the poundkeeper that the sum secured by such undertaking is still due and unpaid. 29—Payment under protest where owner alleges amount claimed is excessive (1) If the owner of any cattle impounded is of opinion that the sum claimed by the person impounding them is excessive, such owner may pay to the poundkeeper under protest in writing the sum so claimed, and also all fees and charges due to such poundkeeper in respect of such cattle, and upon such payment the poundkeeper shall forthwith release and deliver such cattle. (2) If such owner brings an action against the poundkeeper or the person impounding such cattle within a reasonable time after the release of such cattle for the recovery of so much of the amount so paid as is claimed to be excessive, it shall be lawful for the court before which such action is brought to direct the poundkeeper or the person impounding such cattle to return to such owner all sums of money paid by him over and above the damages or fees and charges lawfully due in respect of such cattle. 30—Delivery of cattle on recognizance without payment of damages (1) If the owner of any cattle impounded, in respect of which the person impounding such cattle claims any sum not exceeding one hundred and sixty dollars, institutes proceedings with respect to such impounding, to be determined in a summary way according to the provisions of this Act, and enters into a recognizance with one sufficient surety before a court, the court may order the poundkeeper to release such cattle. Upon receipt of such order and recognizance, and on payment of all fees and charges due to him in respect of such cattle, the poundkeeper shall release the cattle in respect of which the order was made. (2) Any poundkeeper who fails to release any cattle as required by this section shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding forty dollars. 31—Payment to person impounding of money received in respect of cattle impounded (1) If any cattle impounded are released upon payment being made or secured as hereinbefore provided of the sum of money claimed in respect of such cattle by the person impounding the same, the poundkeeper shall, on demand made after such money is received by him, pay such money to such person. (2) Any poundkeeper who fails to pay any money as required by this section shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding forty dollars. 32—Proceedings prior to sale by poundkeeper of unclaimed cattle (1) If any impounded cattle are not released from the pound— (a) where notice of the impounding, or subsequent notice of suspension and future time of sale as provided by subsection (4) hereof, has been given by being delivered personally or left as mentioned in section 25, or any such notice has been sufficiently given by being posted up on a board at the pound, within seven days of such notice being so given or posted up; or (b) where any such notice has been given by post, within fourteen days after the time when, in the ordinary course of post, such notice should have been received by the owner; or (c) where such notice has been given by being published in accordance with this Act—within 21 days of the date specified in the notice for the purpose (which must not be a date occurring before the date of publication), the poundkeeper shall apply to a justice, not being a party interested in the matter, for an order for the sale of such cattle. (2) The said poundkeeper shall, at the time of such application produce and show to such justice, the pound book kept by him, or an extract of so much thereof as relates to the cattle in respect of which the application is made, and shall produce on oath such other proofs as such justice may require that he has complied with the provisions of this Act. (3) Thereupon such justice shall— (a) if he is satisfied that all the provisions of this Act have been complied with in respect of such cattle, make an order under his hand authorising the sale of such cattle on the day specified in that behalf in the notice of impounding given pursuant to section 25 or in the subsequent notice given pursuant to subsection (4) hereof; or (b) if not so satisfied, shall direct such acts to be done as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of this Act, and in such case shall suspend the sale until such provisions have been complied with. (4) Notice of such suspension of sale and of the future time of sale shall forthwith upon the making of such order be given by the poundkeeper as required or permitted by section 25 with respect to the notice of impounding, and the provisions of that section shall mutatis mutandis apply to such notice. (5) If any delay or suspension of sale becomes necessary in consequence of any neglect or omission of the poundkeeper, the cost of all proceedings and notices thereby occasioned, as well as of the future sustenance of such cattle whilst impounded, shall be borne by the poundkeeper. 33—Time and mode of sale of impounded cattle (1) Subject to section 34, all sales of impounded cattle shall take place— (a) where notice of impounding has been given by being delivered personally or left as mentioned in section 25, or such notice has been sufficiently given by being posted up on a board at the pound, not less than ten clear days after such cattle are impounded; or (b) in any other case—not less than 24 clear days after the date specified in the notice for the purpose (which must not be a date occurring before the date the notice is posted or published in accordance with this Act): Provided that when the sale is suspended by a justice under section 32, and notice of such suspension and of the future time of such sale is required to be given as provided by that section, the said periods of ten and twenty-four days respectively shall be calculated from the time of the giving, posting, or publication of such notice of suspension and future time of sale. (2) All such sales— (a) shall take place at the public pound where such cattle are impounded or in any case where it is so directed by the mayor of the municipality or the chairman of the district council district wherein the cattle were found, the sale may take place at any stock saleyard appointed by the said mayor or chairman, as the case may be; and (b) shall be by auction and to the highest bidder; and (c) shall commence at such time as is fixed by the poundkeeper by notice published on a website determined by the Minister or in a newspaper circulating in the area in which the pound is situated, and posted up on a board at the pound. (3) All such sales shall be conducted by— (a) a person duly licensed as an auctioneer for that purpose by the Governor; or (b) a person duly licensed for that purpose by the council of the district within which is situate the pound at which such sale takes place. (4) Not more than ten head of sheep or goats or five head of pigs, nor more than one animal of any other description, shall be put up for auction in one lot. (5) Neither the person who impounded the cattle, nor the justice who made the order for the sale of such cattle, shall, either personally or by any other person, purchase such cattle, nor shall the keeper of the pound, nor his servant or surety, nor any member or clerk of the council of the district in which such pound is situated, either personally or by any other person, purchase any cattle impounded in such pound. Any person so offending shall be liable, for every such purchase, to a penalty of forty dollars, and shall also restore the cattle purchased to the person who, if such sale had not taken place, would be entitled to receive the same. 34—Special provision with reference to valueless cattle If any cattle impounded are not of sufficient value to defray the poundage fees and charges for the sustenance of the same during the respective periods mentioned in subsection (1) of section 32, any justice not interested in the matter may authorise the sale of such cattle on a day earlier than hereinbefore directed, and notice of such sale shall, previous to such sale, be given by the poundkeeper as required or permitted by section 25, and the provisions of section 25 and section 26 shall apply to such notice. 35—Special provision with reference to goats seized under section 14 (1) If the owner of any goat seized pursuant to subsection (5) of section 14 does not, within seven clear days after the seizing thereof, claim it and pay the reasonable expenses of keeping and maintaining it, such goat may, without any order or authority other than this Act, be offered for sale by auction at any time and place by a Crown lands ranger, or any person authorised in that behalf by a Crown lands ranger. The provisions of subsections (2), (4), and (5) of section 33 shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to such sale, and the provisions of section 40, mutatis mutandis, shall apply to the application of the proceeds of such sale. (2) If at any auction any goat so seized is not sold, it may be destroyed by the poundkeeper, a Crown lands ranger, or any person authorised in that behalf by a Crown lands ranger, without compensation to the owner. (3) Nothing in this section shall be held to in any way derogate from the effect of section 256 of the Crown Lands Act 1929. 36—Justice may order unsold cattle to be destroyed (1) If any impounded cattle offered for sale are not sold, any justice may certify that he does not consider such cattle of sufficient value to pay the cost of further maintaining the same, and may order that such cattle shall forthwith be killed and the carcasses sold or otherwise disposed of. (2) Every such order shall be in writing, and shall be delivered to the poundkeeper, who shall retain the same. 37—Purchaser not bound to prove regularity of sale No purchaser of any cattle or of any carcass sold under the provisions of this Act shall be bound to prove that such sale was regular or that the provisions of this Act were complied with, nor be affected by any default or irregularity in respect of such sale. 38—Poundkeeper may recover fees and charges from owner of cattle (1) If any impounded cattle offered for sale are not sold, or if the sale of such cattle or of the carcasses of such cattle does not realise a sufficient sum to pay his lawful fees and charges, the poundkeeper may recover such fees and charges, or the portion thereof remaining unpaid, from the owner of such cattle as a debt due to him by action in any court of competent jurisdiction. (2) It shall be sufficient defence to any such action if it is shown that any notice required by this Act to be given by the poundkeeper with respect to such cattle has not been given. 39—Justice may order destruction of dying or diseased cattle impounded (1) If any justice, after inspecting any cattle impounded in any pound, is of opinion that such cattle are in a dying state or are so weak as not to be likely to recover, such justice may order such cattle, if not claimed within twenty-four hours, to be killed, and the carcasses sold or otherwise disposed of. (2) Every such order shall be in writing, and shall be delivered to the poundkeeper, who shall retain the same. (3) If any such carcass is disposed of other than by sale, the cost incurred in the disposal shall be recoverable from the owner of the stock as a debt due and owing to the council or Minister, as the case may be, by which or whom the pound aforesaid is maintained. 40—Application of money arising from sale of cattle impounded The price of any cattle, or the carcass of any cattle, sold under the provisions of this Act shall be paid by the person purchasing the same to the poundkeeper and shall be by him applied as follows: (a) firstly, in payment to the auctioneer at such sale, not being the poundkeeper, of a commission of five per centum on the gross amount realised; and (b) secondly, in payment to himself of all lawful fees and charges; and (c) thirdly, in payment of the sum due to the person by whom the same were impounded; and (d) lastly, he shall pay over the balance of the proceeds of such sale— (i) where the owner of the cattle is known, to such owner upon the same being demanded; or (ii) where the owner is not known, to the persons and at the times directed by section 13. Part 5—Miscellaneous 41—Goats, pigs, poultry etc may be destroyed (1) The owner or any person in charge of any enclosed land— (a) who has given notice in writing to the owner of any goats, pigs, or poultry, of his intention to destroy all goats, pigs, or poultry found trespassing thereon, may kill by any means, except by the use of poison, any goats, pigs, or poultry the property of such owner found trespassing thereon; or (b) who has advertised twice in any two or more public newspapers published in the State and circulating in the locality his intention to destroy all goats, pigs, or poultry found trespassing thereon, may kill, by any means except by the use of poison, any goats, pigs, or poultry found trespassing thereon, and, if not sooner claimed by the owner thereof, may six hours after such killing remove, bury, or destroy the carcasses of any goats, pigs, or poultry so killed. (2) This section shall not apply to any full bred Angora, Saanen, Toggenburg, British Alpine, or Anglo Nubian goat. 42—Stray cattle not to be taken away without notice to owner of land where they are (1) No person shall drive any cattle from the land, or out of the herds of any other person, without first giving notice to such last-mentioned person or to his agent, overseer, or bailiff, of the time he intends to drive away such cattle. (2) Any person who, not having given notice of his intention to drive away any cattle as aforesaid— (a) drives any cattle from the land, or out of the herds, of any other person; or (b) enters upon the land of any other person for the purpose of driving any cattle from such land, or who drives from the land, or out of the herds, of any other person any cattle other than his own, shall be liable to a penalty of not less than forty dollars nor more than one hundred and sixty dollars. (3) If the land of any person is a road to which the public has right of access then, notwithstanding the provisions of this section, it shall not be necessary to give any notice which would otherwise be required to be given by this section. 43—Pound rescues or breaches (1) Any person who— (a) unlawfully rescues or releases any cattle lawfully impounded or seized for the purpose of being impounded; or (b) damages any pound lawfully established, whether any cattle are impounded therein or not; or (c) commits any pound-breach whereby any cattle may escape from any such pound, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding forty dollars, together with reasonable charges and expenses. The whole or any portion of such penalty may be awarded to the owner of such cattle. (2) In any proceedings in respect of any offence against this section, proof that any cattle so rescued, released, or escaping are, within forty-eight hours of the time of such rescue, release, or escape, found in the possession or on the lands, or with any of the herds of the owner of such cattle, shall be prima facie evidence that the rescue, release, or pound-breach was made or committed by such owner. 44—Penalty for taking down rails or opening gates, to let cattle into or out of enclosed land Any person who unlawfully removes or takes down any fence, rail, or slip-panel, or opens any gate, for the purpose of allowing cattle to trespass upon or escape from any enclosed land, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding eighty dollars, or to imprisonment for any period not exceeding three months. 45—Penalty for allowing any bull, stallion, colt or ram to be at large (1) If any bull above the age of one year is found straying or at large, the owner shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding two hundred dollars; and if any stallion or colt above the age of one year is found straying or at large the owner shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding two hundred dollars; and if any ram above the age of six months is found straying or at large the owner shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding eighty dollars. (2) Such penalties shall be in addition to all other sums which, under the provisions of this Act, may become payable for damage by trespass by such bull, stallion or colt, or ram. 45A—Duty of supervision in relation to bulls, stallions and rams (1) The owner of any bull, stallion or colt above the age of one year, or ram above the age of six months, shall not keep that bull, horse or ram upon any land within a prescribed area unless— (a) the land is enclosed; and (b) the owner, or an agent who is responsible for supervision of the bull, horse or ram is ordinarily resident on that land, or within 10 kilometres of that land. Penalty: Five hundred dollars. (2) The Governor may make such regulations as are necessary or expedient for the purposes of this section. 46—Liability of owner of straying cattle (1) If any cattle are found straying, or at large, or tethered, or depastured, in any street or public place, the owner thereof shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding two hundred dollars. (2) In any proceedings for an offence against this section the allegation in the complaint that any person is the owner of the cattle in respect of which the complaint is made shall be deemed proved in the absence of proof to the contrary. (2a) In any proceedings for an offence against this section it shall be a defence that the owner has attempted with all reasonable diligence so to confine his cattle as to prevent their intrusion upon any street or public place in a manner contrary to subsection (1) of this section and— (a) he did not know and might not reasonably have been expected to know of such intrusion; or (b) having discovered such intrusion as soon as might reasonably have been expected of a person exercising proper diligence, he immediately made all proper endeavours to bring his cattle back within confinement and so to confine them as to prevent further such intrusion. (2b) For the purposes of subsection (2a) of this section anything which a servant or agent of the owner of cattle knows or discovers, or might reasonably be expected to know or discover, shall be deemed to be something which the owner knows or discovers or might reasonably be expected to know or discover. (3) If whilst in any street or public place, any cattle in charge of any person do not travel at the rate of at least eight kilometres a day in a direct line, the cattle shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to be at large: Provided that if any cattle are being driven to any market, this subsection shall not apply in respect of such cattle on the day when the cattle are driven to the market or to the preceding day. (4) If, in any proceedings for an offence against this section, the court is satisfied upon evidence that any cattle, although in charge of any person, were in any street or public place for depasturing purposes only, the cattle shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to be at large. 46A—Provision as to leasing of roads etc (1) If the Governor is satisfied that any road— (a) is one which is necessary to be used by travelling stock; or (b) is a main road within the meaning of the Highways Act 1926; or (c) is a road which by reason of the traffic thereon should not be leased or over which depasturing licences should not be granted, he may by proclamation declare that this section shall apply to the road. (2) The Governor may by proclamation revoke or vary any such proclamation. (3) During such time as any proclamation is in force with respect to any road no council shall let that road or permit the use thereof as provided by section 375 of the Local Government Act 1934 or shall grant pursuant to the Local Government Act 1934 or any by-law of the council, any depasturing licence over any such road. (4) If at the time of the making of a proclamation under subsection (1) in respect of any road, any such letting, permission to use, or depasturing licence is in force in respect of the road, the same shall be deemed to be determined and the person entitled thereunder shall be entitled to be repaid by the council such proportion of any fees paid thereunder as the unexpired period thereof at the time of the making of the proclamation bears to the full period thereof. (5) In this section— road includes a part of a road. 48—Actions for full compensation for trespass (1) Nothing in this Act contained shall prevent the owner of any lands trespassed on by cattle from suing in the Supreme Court or in a local court for compensation for ordinary damages, at the rates specified in Schedule 6 or at the rates in force for the time being at the public pound nearest to the lands trespassed upon, or for special damages for the trespass of cattle. (2) No action in the Supreme Court shall be brought to recover special damages for such trespass until seven days after notice in writing has been delivered personally to the party against whom the action is proposed to be brought, or is left at his usual or last known place of abode in the State. (3) Such notice shall specify the cause of action, the name and place of abode of the person bringing the same, and the amount of damages claimed. (4) The person to whom such notice is given may, at any time within seven days from the delivery of the notice as aforesaid, tender the amount claimed to the person bringing such action, or to his attorney or agent, and, in case the same is not accepted, proof of such tender shall be deemed a good defence to such action. 49—Damage must be sustained within one month of commencement of action In any action brought in any court to recover ordinary damages for the trespass of cattle, no damages shall be recoverable except for damages sustained within one month before the commencement of such action. 53—Mode of distribution of fines etc (1) All penalties recovered under this Act, if incurred within the boundaries of a district, shall be paid to the council of such district for the use and benefit of the district. Any such penalty may be remitted, in whole or in part, by such council, as it may deem expedient. (2) Such penalties as are not incurred within the boundaries of a district shall be paid to the Treasurer for the public uses of the State, and any such last mentioned penalty may be remitted, in whole or in part, by the Governor, as he may deem expedient. Schedule 3—Form of poundkeeper's book

Impounded Released or sold Date and time Description of cattle, colours, and brands By whom impounded For what cause Owner or supposed owner Time and mode of giving notice Date and time Whether released or sold By whose order To whom delivered or proceeds paid Amount received for— Signature and place of residence of person receiving cattle Sales Maintenance Fees Charges

$ ¢ $ ¢ $ ¢ $ ¢

Schedule 4—Table of fees chargeable by ranger in respect of impounding of cattle

(1) In respect of the impounding of cattle comprising stallions or colts, mares, geldings, colts, fillies, foals, mules, asses, camels, bulls, oxen, cows, steers, heifers, calves, rams, or deer—

$ c

For any number of such cattle up to five, per head 8 00

For the next fifteen of such cattle, per head 2 00

For any number of such cattle after the first twenty, per head 0 50 (2) In respect of the impounding of cattle comprising goats, pigs, ewes, sheep, wethers, lambs, or Angora goats—

$ c

For any number of such cattle up to five, per head 4 00

For any number of such cattle after the first five, per head 0 25 (3) In respect of the impounding of cattle, some of which are of the descriptions mentioned in paragraph (1) hereof, and some of which are of the descriptions mentioned in paragraph (2) hereof—

$ c

For any number of such cattle up to five 4 00

For any number of such cattle of the descriptions mentioned in paragraph (1) hereof, after the first five } At the rates per head specified in paragraph (1) hereof.

For any number of such cattle of the descriptions mentioned in paragraph (2) hereof, after the first five } At the rates per head specified in paragraph (2) hereof.

The above fees are payable by each owner in respect of the cattle owned by him impounded at any one time.

No fee shall be chargeable for a suckling animal under the age of six months running with its mother. Schedule 5—Fees for cattle impounded

Table of poundage fees for cattle impounded

For each period of 24 hours or part thereof $ c For every stallion or colt above the age of two years—

For the first day the sum of $20 and thereafter 4 00 For every stallion or colt under the age of two years 4 00 For every mare, gelding, colt, filly, foal, mule, ass, and camel 1 00 For every goat and pig 2 00 For every bull above the age of two years—

For the first day the sum of $20 and thereafter 4 00 For every bull under the age of two years 4 00 For every ox, cow, steer, heifer, calf and deer, of the first twenty 1 00 For every ox, cow, steer, heifer, calf and deer, of the next twenty 0 50 For every ox, cow, steer, heifer, calf and deer, of all others above forty 0 25 For every ram above the age of twelve months—

For the first day the sum of $20 and thereafter 0 50 For every ewe, sheep, wether, and lamb, of the first forty 0 50 For every ewe, sheep, wether, and lamb, of all others above forty 0 25

Table of charges for sustenance of cattle impounded

For each period of 24 hours or part thereof $ c For every stallion or colt, mare, gelding, filly, ass, mule, bull, ox, steer, heifer, cow, calf, colt, foal, camel, and deer 2 00 For every ram, ewe, sheep, wether, and lamb 0 50 For every goat 0 25 For every pig 1 00 No fee or charge, whether for poundage or sustenance, to be made for a suckling animal under the age of six months running with its mother. Schedule 6—Rates for damage by trespass by cattle

Description of cattle Trespass in unenclosed forest, pasture land, stubble, after-grass or other unenclosed land Trespass in any enclosed paddock or meadow of grass or stubble Trespass in any enclosed growing crop of any kind, or any garden or enclosure whence the crop has not been removed, or in any enclosed public cemetery

$ ¢ $ ¢ $ ¢ For every stallion or colt, mare, gelding, filly, ass, mule, bull, ox, steer, heifer, cow, calf, colt, foal, camel, and deer 0 15 2 00 8 00 For every ram, ewe, sheep, wether and lamb 0 05 0 25 0 50 For every goat 2 00 2 00 8 00 For every pig 5 00 5 00 8 00 No damage to be claimed in respect of a suckling animal under the age of six months running with its mother. Schedule 7—Form of advertisement in a newspaper circulating in the locality

Schedule 8—Form of undertaking where cattle are released without payment of moneys due in respect thereof

Legislative history Notes • Please note—References in the legislation to other legislation or instruments or to titles of bodies or offices are not automatically updated as part of the program for the revision and publication of legislation and therefore may be obsolete. • Earlier versions of this Act (historical versions) are listed at the end of the legislative history. • For further information relating to the Act and subordinate legislation made under the Act see the Index of South Australian Statutes or www.legislation.sa.gov.au. Repeal of Act The Impounding Act 1920 will be repealed by Sch 6 cl 10 of the Biosecurity Act 2025. Legislation repealed by principal Act The Impounding Act 1920 repealed the following: The Impounding Act (No. 8 of 1858) The Impounding Act Amendment Act 1895 The Impounding Act Amendment Act 1913 Principal Act and amendments New entries appear in bold. Year No Title Assent Commencement 1920 1441 Impounding Act 1920 1.12.1920 1.12.1920 1923 1574 Impounding Act Amendment Act 1923 28.11.1923 28.11.1923 1925 1678 Impounding Act Amendment Act 1925 19.11.1925 19.11.1925 1926 1736 Impounding Act Amendment Act 1926 30.9.1926 30.9.1926 1931 2033 Impounding Act Amendment Act 1931 26.11.1931 26.11.1931 1934 2156 Local Government Act 1934 25.10.1934 2.11.1934 (Gazette 25.10.1934 p845) 1935 2246 Statute Law Revision Act 1935 19.12.1935 19.12.1935 1938 2413 Impounding Act Amendment Act 1938 8.12.1938 8.12.1938 1947 10 Impounding Act Amendment Act 1947 16.10.1947 16.10.1947 1962 26 Impounding Act Amendment Act 1962 25.10.1962 25.10.1962 1966 10 Impounding Act Amendment Act 1966 24.2.1966 24.2.1966 1967 64 Impounding Act Amendment Act 1967 16.11.1967 16.11.1967 1973 77 Statute Law Revision Act 1973 6.12.1973 6.12.1973 1974 65 Impounding Act Amendment Act 1974 3.10.1974 5.12.1974 (Gazette 5.12.1974 p3558) 1975 49 Impounding Act Amendment Act 1975 10.4.1975 10.4.1975 1977 22 Impounding Act Amendment Act 1976 12.5.1977 12.5.1977 2003 44 Statute Law Revision Act 2003 23.10.2003 Sch 1—24.11.2003 (Gazette 13.11.2003 p4048) 2005 56 Justices of the Peace Act 2005 17.11.2005 Sch 2 (cll 26—28)—1.7.2006 (Gazette 22.6.2006 p2012) 2019 25 Statutes Amendment and Repeal (Simplify) Act 2019 3.10.2019 Pt 24 (ss 47 to 50)—3.10.2019: s 2(1) Provisions amended since 3 February 1976 • Legislative history prior to 3 February 1976 appears in marginal notes and footnotes included in the consolidation of this Act contained in Volume 4 of The Public General Acts of South Australia 1837-1975 at page 820. New entries appear in bold. Entries that relate to provisions that have been deleted appear in italics. Provision How varied Commencement Long title amended by 44/2003 s 3(1) (Sch 1) 24.11.2003 Pt 1 heading inserted by 44/2003 s 3(1) (Sch 1) 24.11.2003 s 2 deleted by 44/2003 s 3(1) (Sch 1) 24.11.2003 Pt 2 heading preceding s 4 deleted and Pt 2 heading inserted by 44/2003 s 3(1) (Sch 1) 24.11.2003 Pt 3 heading preceding s 14 deleted and Pt 3 heading inserted by 44/2003 s 3(1) (Sch 1) 24.11.2003 s 25

s 25(5) amended by 25/2019 s 47 3.10.2019 s 26

s 26(1) amended by 25/2019 s 48 3.10.2019 Pt 4 heading preceding s 27 deleted and Pt 4 heading inserted by 44/2003 s 3(1) (Sch 1) 24.11.2003 s 30

s 30(1) amended by 56/2005 Sch 2 cl 26 1.7.2006 s 32

s 32(1) amended by 25/2019 s 49 3.10.2019 s 33

s 33(1) amended by 25/2019 s 50(1) 3.10.2019 s 33(2) amended by 25/2019 s 50(2) 3.10.2019 s 40 amended by 44/2003 s 3(1) (Sch 1) 24.11.2003 Pt 5 heading preceding s 41 and Pt 5 heading inserted by 44/2003 s 3(1) (Sch 1) 24.11.2003 s 45 amended by 22/1977 s 2 12.5.1977 s 45A inserted by 22/1977 s 3 12.5.1977 s 47 deleted by 56/2005 Sch 2 cl 27 1.7.2006 s 50 deleted by 44/2003 s 3(1) (Sch 1) 24.11.2003 Sch 1 deleted by 44/2003 s 3(1) (Sch 1) 24.11.2003 Sch 4 amended by 22/1977 s 4 12.5.1977 Sch 5 heading substituted by 44/2003 s 3(1) (Sch 1) 24.11.2003

amended by 22/1977 s 5 12.5.1977 Sch 6 amended by 22/1977 s 6 12.5.1977 Sch 9 deleted by 56/2005 Sch 2 cl 28 1.7.2006 Historical versions Reprint No 1—15.8.1991

Reprint No 2—24.11.2003

1.7.2006

1 Impounding Act 1920

South Australia Impounding Act 1920 An Act relating to the impounding of cattle.

Several core legal concepts structure the Act and recur through its provisions.

Definition of "cattle" and aggregate counting rules. "Cattle" is defined to include the animals listed in Schedules 5 and 6 (s 3(1)). The Act treats a suckling under six months running with its mother as one animal for the Act's purposes (s 3(2)). This affects fee calculation, sustenance charges, and damage rates set in the Schedules.
Authority to impound. The power to seize and impound rests with owners, rangers, council officers, and authorised persons for animals trespassing on land, roads, reserves, and Crown lands (s 14). Occupiers of enclosed land have express authority to seize cattle near their land and to impound on their land subject to time limits (s 15).
Pounds as public institutions. Pounds are public facilities that councils or the Governor establish and maintain (s 4). Poundkeepers are public appointees, subject to appointment and removal notices published in the Government Gazette (s 5). Pounds must meet minimum standards: fencing that separates infectious cattle, shelter, continuous water, and cleanliness (ss 7, 7A, 8).
Record-keeping and transparency. Poundkeepers must keep a pound book in the form of Schedule 3, make timely entries, allow inspection, and forward monthly copies to the Treasurer or council (s 11). They must display a board of lawful fees and damage rates (s 12).
Fees, sustenance charges and damage rates. Sch 4, Sch 5 and Sch 6 contain the specific tables for ranger impounding fees, poundage and sustenance charges, and rates for damages by trespass respectively (s 17, s 18, Schedules). The Governor or council (with Ministerial consent) may vary them (s 19).
Notice and sale process. Detailed timing rules govern notice to owners (s 25), posting at the pound (s 24), suspension and judicial oversight before sale (s 32), and minimum waiting periods before sale (s 33). Sales must be by auction at a pound or designated saleyard, by licensed auctioneers or council-licensed persons (s 33).
Remedies and financial flows. Owners reclaim cattle on payment of claimed sums and fees (s 27). A poundkeeper may accept an undertaking (Schedule 8) or recognisance (s 30). Unclaimed sale proceeds are distributed in order: auctioneer commission, poundkeeper fees and charges, sum owed to person who impounded, then balance to owner or, if owner unknown, to Treasurer or council under rules in s 13 and s 40.
Criminal and civil consequences. The Act mixes summary offences attracting specified monetary penalties and, in limited cases, imprisonment (s 44). It also creates civil routes: the poundkeeper may recover unpaid fees as a debt (s 38), and landowners may bring actions in superior courts for full compensation (s 48).

These concepts combine a private enforcement trigger, public infrastructure for detention and sale, statutory rates and charges, and judicial oversight at key decision points. The Act sets administrative duties, financial accountability and route to dispute resolution, all expressed in statutory form and supported by schedules of monetary values.

The Act creates legal roles and responsibilities for a discrete but overlapping set of actors. The primary affected groups and their statutory positions are:

Councils and the Governor. Councils may establish and maintain public pounds within their district and appoint poundkeepers (s 4), may close pounds (s 6), and, with Ministerial consent, vary fees for pounds within their district (s 19). The Governor may establish pounds outside district boundaries, appoint keepers in areas not in any district (s 4(2)), close such pounds (s 6), and, in relation to non-district pounds, vary fees (s 19). Councils receive penalties incurred within their district and manage unclaimed proceeds for their district subject to rules in s 13 and s 53.
Poundkeepers. Appointed by councils or the Governor, poundkeepers run the pound, must maintain the pound, provide shelter and water (ss 7, 7A, 8), keep a pound book, display fees and damage rates, send monthly accounts and remit unclaimed proceeds as required (ss 11, 12, 13). They may charge fees set by Schedule 5 and sustainment charges, and they are personally liable for wilful acts or neglect in custody of cattle (s 23(2)). Poundkeepers also have duties around notice and sale processes (ss 24, 25, 26, 32, 33).
Rangers and authorised officers. Rangers, council officers, and persons authorised by them may impound cattle on roads, reserves, Crown lands and other public places (s 14). Rangers have a fee table in Schedule 4 for impounding and, for goats on Crown lands, specific powers to sell or destroy after prescribed time (s 14(5), s 35).
Landowners and occupiers. Landowners and occupiers may seize and impound trespassing cattle on their land (s 14(1), s 15). Occupiers of enclosed land have express powers to seize cattle found feeding off adjacent road or wandering near their land (s 14(3)). They can claim damages at rates in Schedule 6 (s 18) and may sue for full compensation in Supreme Court or a local court (s 48).
Owners of cattle and keepers of livestock. Owners are subject to statutory liability for trespass and may face penalties if their animals are found at large (ss 45, 46). Owners may reclaim impounded cattle on payment or by providing undertakings or recognisances (ss 21, 28, 30). Owners are presumed to be the owner for purposes of proceedings unless disproved, which shifts the evidential burden in prosecutions under s 46(2).
Purchasers at sale. Members of the public may buy impounded cattle at auction subject to statutory restrictions: the person who impounded, the justice who ordered sale, the poundkeeper and various others are prohibited from purchasing (s 33(5)). Purchasers need not prove regularity of sale (s 37).
Justices and courts. A justice is central to authorising sales of unclaimed cattle (s 32), to ordering destruction of unsold or dying cattle (ss 36, 39), and to making orders for payment of unclaimed proceeds during the two year period (s 13(3)). Courts hear actions for recovery of excess payments or unpaid fees and civil claims for damages (ss 29, 31, 38, 48).
The Minister and State Treasurer. The Minister’s consent is required where councils wish to vary fees (s 19). The Minister also determines the website on which notices may be posted (ss 25(5), 33(2)(c)). The Treasurer receives monthly remittances from poundkeepers of unclaimed proceeds for non-district pounds and holds unclaimed proceeds for two years (s 13).

Secondary stakeholders include auctioneers (must be licensed by Governor or council to conduct sales, s 33(3)), administrators of local newspapers and Minister-determined web platforms used for statutory notices (ss 25(5), 33(2)(c)), and persons who provide transport or feed services when cattle are conveyed to or maintained in a pound (s 15A, Sch 5 sustenance charges).

Who pays and who decides. Financially, owners of impounded cattle, or persons authorised to act for them, pay damages, poundage, sustenance charges, notice delivery costs and any auction commission from sale proceeds (ss 17, 26, 40). Councils and the State make administrative decisions about establishing and closing pounds, appointing poundkeepers and varying fees with Ministerial consent (ss 4, 6, 19). Justices decide on sale authorisations and orders for destruction (ss 32, 36, 39).

The Act therefore distributes obligations and revenue flows: councils and the State carry institutional responsibility to maintain pounds, poundkeepers administer the detention and sale process, landowners and rangers trigger enforcement by impounding, and cattle owners bear the direct costs for recovery of their property.

The Act sets out a mix of mandatory duties, discretionary powers and rights of recourse. Below are the principal ones, with statutory references.

Duties imposed on poundkeepers and councils

Establishment, maintenance and closure. Councils may establish and maintain pounds, appoint keepers and close pounds subject to Gazette notice (s 4, s 6). The Governor exercises those powers for non-district areas (s 4(2), s 6).
Maintenance standards. Poundkeepers must keep pounds properly enclosed, separated where disease risk exists, kept clean and in repair, provide wholesome food twice daily for impounded cattle and provide adequate shelter and constant water supply (ss 7, 7A, 8). Failure attracts penalties (s 7(2)).
Record-keeping and transparency. Poundkeepers must keep a pound book in the form of Schedule 3, make entries before disputes arise, produce the book for inspection, provide monthly copies to the Treasurer or council, and file justice orders for at least two years (s 11). Neglect or false entries attract penalties (s 11(6)-(7)).
Fee-display and updates. Poundkeepers must erect and maintain a board showing tables of lawful fees and damage rates within 14 days of appointment and update it within 14 days of lawful variation (s 12). Failure or false statements attract daily penalties (s 12(2)).
Monthly accounting and remittances. Poundkeepers must render accounts and pay unclaimed proceeds after one month to the Treasurer or council, which holds such proceeds for two years (s 13).

Duties and powers of persons impounding and of rangers

Proper impounding and notices. A person impounding cattle must give notice to the poundkeeper describing the cattle, owner if known, place of trespass and sums claimed (s 22). If impounding on private land with no pound within eight kilometres, the impounder must notify owner or poundkeeper within 24 hours and feed and maintain cattle for up to seven days (s 15).
Recovery of conveyance costs. Where cattle are conveyed to a pound by vehicle, the person providing conveyance may claim the cost and recover it like poundkeeper’s fees (s 15A).

Rights of owners and purchasers

Right to release on payment. Owners have the right to immediate release of cattle upon payment of claimed damages, fees and sustenance charges or upon giving an undertaking in a prescribed form (ss 21, 27, 28).
Payment under protest and remedy. An owner who pays under protest may sue to recover amounts alleged to be excessive; courts can direct repayment of overpayments (s 29).
Recognisance and release pending proceedings. Where claims do not exceed $160, an owner may obtain release by recognisance with a surety and commencement of summary proceedings (s 30).
Priority of proceeds and purchaser protection. Sale proceeds follow a statutory priority schedule (s 40). Purchasers are not required to prove the regularity of a sale or to be affected by procedural irregularities (s 37).

Judicial and administrative oversight

Justice oversight for sale and disposal. Before sale of unclaimed cattle a poundkeeper must obtain a justice’s order after producing the pound book and proof of compliance (s 32). Justices may delay sale, order additional steps or order destruction of unsold or dying cattle (ss 32, 36, 39).
Ministerial and Governor discretion. The Governor and councils (with Ministerial consent) can vary fees (s 19). The Minister determines the website on which notices can be published (ss 25(5), 33(2)(c)).

Penalties and criminal law rights

Broadly defined penalties attach to: failure to maintain pound standards (s 7), unauthorised use or milking of impounded animals (s 9), failing to produce statutory documents or make entries (s 11), unlawful impounding (s 16), failing to deliver cattle on tender (s 21), failing to post notices (s 24), incorrect notices (s 25(7)), failing to release on recognisance (s 30(2)), failure to pay money to the person who impounded (s 31), rescue or pound-breach (s 43), unlawful removal of fences to allow trespass (s 44), allowing certain animals at large (s 45), and failing to supervise bulls etc in prescribed areas (s 45A).

Rights and defences

Owners have a statutory defence if they can show they exercised reasonable diligence to confine their animals and did not know or could not reasonably have been expected to know of intrusion (s 46(2a)).
For proceedings under s 46 a presumption of ownership applies unless disproved (s 46(2)).
Owners retain a right to sue for full compensation in superior courts beyond the statutory damage schedules (s 48).

These duties and rights create a regulatory ecosystem that balances property protection for landowners with procedural safeguards for owners of animals. The Act provides administrative processes, monetary schedules, judicial checkpoints and sanctions to enforce both duties and rights.

The Act combines summary penalties, civil remedies and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance. It allocates enforcement roles to poundkeepers, rangers, councils, justices and the courts. Key enforcement features are as follows.

Monetary penalties and fines

Poundkeeping and facility breaches: a poundkeeper who fails to keep pound in repair, mixes infected cattle or fails to supply sufficient food twice daily faces a penalty not exceeding forty dollars (s 7(2)). Wilful falsification or erasure of pound book entries attracts up to $160, lesser neglect up to $80 (s 11(6)-(7)). Failure to post notice of impounding is up to $16 (s 24(3)). Neglecting to render accounts or pay over moneys is up to $40 (s 13(5)).
Unauthorised conduct: persons who unlawfully impound, or impound in unauthorised places, face penalties up to $80 (s 16). Wrongful refusal to deliver cattle on payment or tender is punishable up to $80 (s 21(2)). Unauthorised use or milking of impounded animals is punishable by between $8 and $160 plus compensation ordered by the court (s 9).
Trespass and animals at large: owners of bulls, stallions or colts over one year found at large face penalties not exceeding $200; rams over six months face up to $80; general straying cattle in public places carry penalties up to $200 (ss 45, 46).
Pound rescues, breaches and damage: persons who unlawfully rescue or release impounded cattle, damage a pound, or commit a pound breach are liable to a penalty not exceeding $40 together with reasonable charges and expenses, and the penalty may be awarded to the cattle owner (s 43).
Fence removal and trespass facilitation: unlawfully removing fence rails or opening gates to permit trespass may attract up to $80 or imprisonment up to three months (s 44).
Supervision requirement: failing to meet the residency and enclosure requirements for bulls, stallions and rams within a prescribed area attracts a $500 penalty (s 45A).

Civil recovery and ordering powers

Recovery of unpaid fees and charges: poundkeepers can sue the owner of cattle for unpaid poundage, sustenance and other lawful charges as a debt (s 38(1)). Where sale proceeds are insufficient, the poundkeeper may recover the balance by court action (s 38).
Distribution of sale proceeds and indemnities: the poundkeeper pays the proceeds to the purchaser and applies them in a statutory priority order, with the balance payable to the owner where known, or otherwise retained and managed by Treasurer or council under s 13 (s 40). A justice may order payment of unclaimed proceeds at any time on proof and indemnify the Treasurer or council against adverse claims (s 13(3)).
Orders for destruction and disposal: justices may order immediate destruction of unsold cattle if value insufficient to defray maintenance costs (s 36), and may order killing of dying or diseased cattle not claimed within 24 hours (s 39).
Payment on recognisance and enforcement of undertakings: undertakings in Schedule 8 and recognisances are enforceable; failure to pay an undertaking may be recovered by summary process of distress and sale via justice-issued process on oath of the poundkeeper (s 28).

Procedural and administrative enforcement

Notice and publication obligations are enforceable by penalties for non-compliance. Poundkeepers must post notices at the pound and give written notice to owners where known; if owner unknown they must publish notice in a newspaper or on a Minister-determined website (ss 24, 25(5)). Incorrect or premature notices attract penalties (s 25(7)). Poundkeepers may charge for delivery and publication of notices under s 26, which creates an administrative finance mechanism but also a duty to account.
Judicial oversight of sales: before selling unclaimed cattle the poundkeeper must obtain a justice’s order after producing the pound book and proof of compliance (s 32). The justice can refuse or suspend sale pending compliance, with costs of delay borne by the poundkeeper if caused by the poundkeeper’s neglect (s 32(3)-(5)).

Distribution and remission of penalties

Penalties incurred within a district are paid to the council for district use and may be remitted in whole or part by the council (s 53(1)). Penalties outside districts are paid to the Treasurer for State public uses and may be remitted by the Governor (s 53(2)). This creates localised financial effects and discretion over remission.

Limits and safeguards

Many of the enforcement powers are summary in nature, with defined monetary caps. The Act provides procedural safeguards such as requirements for notice, preservation of entries for two years, justice oversight before sale or destruction and a route for owners to commence proceedings and to provide recognisances (ss 11, 25, 32, 29, 30).

The enforcement regime is therefore a mix of administrative enforcement by poundkeepers and councils, summary penal consequences for breaches, civil recovery mechanisms for unpaid debts, and judicial oversight at critical points such as sale and destruction. The Act allocates revenue flows from penalties and unclaimed proceeds, and provides formal procedural checks intended to protect owners’ property rights while enabling landowners and public authorities to prevent and remedy trespass.

The Act contains explicit cross-references to other statutes and embeds administrative interactions with other legal instruments and offices. Key interactions in the text are as follows.

Crown Lands Act 1929. The Act defines "Crown lands" for the purposes of impounding goats and related powers by reference to the Crown Lands Act 1929 and cross-references s 256 of that Act (s 14(6) and s 35(3)). This creates a legal linkage where Crown lands management rules influence impounding actions on Crown lands and the rights attaching to seizing goats under s 14(5).
Local Government Act 1934. The Act refers to councils and council powers and cross-references the Local Government Act 1934 in relation to leasing roads and depasturing licences (s 46A(3)). The history shows amendments that interact with the Local Government Act s 375 (s 46A(3)). Councils exercise operational functions under the Act, such as establishing pounds, appointing keepers, and receiving penalties within their districts (ss 4, 53).
Highways Act 1926. The Act allows the Governor to declare roads to which the provisions regarding leasing and depasturing apply, including main roads as defined in the Highways Act 1926 (s 46A(1)(b)). Thus highways law shapes where depasturing licences and road leasing are restricted under the impounding regime.
Justices of the Peace Act 2005 and court procedure. The Act delegates significant authority to "a justice", for sale authorisations, destruction orders and enforcement of undertakings (ss 32, 36, 39, 28). Amendments in 2005 changed aspects of s 30(1) by Statute Law Revision and related instruments, as recorded in the legislative history. The effective functioning of s 32 and others therefore depends on the rules governing justices and summary jurisdictions found elsewhere.
Administrative publication and Ministerial discretion. The Act requires some notices to be published in a "newspaper circulating in the locality" or on a "website determined by the Minister" (ss 25(5), 33(2)(c)). This creates an interaction with administrative law and the Minister’s decisions about online platforms for public notices. The Minister’s determination of a website is an administrative act that affects how statutory notices are given.
Auctioneer licensing. Sales of impounded cattle must be conducted by persons licensed as auctioneers by the Governor or by persons licensed by the council (s 33(3)). That creates an interface with any statutory licensing regime for auctioneers, and with council by-laws that may grant local licences.
Biosecurity Act 2025. The legislative history in the source records that the Impounding Act 1920 will be repealed by Schedule 6 clause 10 of the Biosecurity Act 2025. The extent and timing of repeal will determine transitional interactions; until the repeal commences the Impounding Act provisions remain operative.
Treasury and financial administration. For non-district pounds the Act requires the poundkeeper to render monthly accounts and pay unclaimed proceeds to the Treasurer, who holds them for two years and may apply them to public uses if unclaimed (s 13). For district pounds the council performs the equivalent function. These provisions interact with financial management, public monies custody and public grant/allocations regimes.

Operational consequences of interaction

The Act prescribes how other statutory instruments and administrative determinations shape operational compliance: council by-laws and Local Government Act provisions affect where depasturing licences may be granted (s 46A), Ministerial determinations affect publication channels (s 25(5), s 33(2)(c)), and auctioneer licensing or authorisation by Governor or council is necessary for sale (s 33(3)). Poundkeepers and councils must therefore align their procedures with the regime under other statutes and administrative rules.
Judicial roles required by the Act sit within the wider justice system. Proofs, justices’ orders and summary processes under the Act will be subject to the procedural rules applicable to justices and magistrates in other statutes.

In sum, the Act is not a stand-alone instrument; it presupposes and depends on statutory regimes governing Crown lands, local government powers, roads and highways, auctioneer licensing and the administration of justice. The Act’s references to a Minister-determined website and to variation with Ministerial consent create additional administrative touchpoints that can affect implementation.

The source provides a chronological record of amendments, insertions, deletions and the broader legislative history of the Impounding Act 1920. The key points from that record are:

Principal Act. The Impounding Act 1920 (No. 1441) received assent and commenced on 1 December 1920. It repealed earlier impounding Acts dating back to 1858 and subsequent amendment Acts (Legislative history section).
Early amendments. Amendment Acts followed through the 1920s and 1930s: Impounding Act Amendment Acts in 1923, 1925, 1926 and 1931, and a 1938 amendment (listed under "Principal Act and amendments"). These altered provisions over time, though the source does not set out the specific textual changes for each early amendment within the body of the Act copy provided.
Local Government nexus. The Local Government Act 1934 appears in the legislative history as an intervening statute affecting parts of the Act; parts of the Act refer to the Local Government Act 1934 and its subsequent amendments (e.g. s 46A and its references).
Revisions and statutory housekeeping. Statute Law Revision Acts (1935, 1973, 2003) and the Statutes Amendment and Repeal (Simplify) Act 2019 made various amendments and deletions over time, recorded in the list of provisions varied since 1976. The 2003 Statute Law Revision Act effected structural changes such as inserting headings for parts and substituting or deleting schedules and sections (as recorded in the "Provisions amended since 3 February 1976" table).
More recent targeted amendments recorded in the source include:
- 1977: Amendments (22/1977) inserted s 45A and amended Schedules 4 to 6 in part (12 May 1977).
- 2005: Amendments by the Justices of the Peace Act 2005 affected s 30(1) and other provisions, with commencement of those amendments recorded at 1 July 2006 for specified clauses.
- 2019: The Statutes Amendment and Repeal (Simplify) Act 2019 amended s 25(5), s 26(1), s 32(1) and s 33(1)-(2), with commencement noted as 3 October 2019 for those provisions.
- 2003: Statute Law Revision Act 2003 made textual and structural amendments, including to s 40 and to schedule headings.
Deletions and reprints. Several sections and schedules were deleted by later amendments, as shown in the "Provisions amended since 3 February 1976" table. Historical reprints exist for dates including 15 August 1991, 24 November 2003 and 1 July 2006.
Repeal scheduled by Biosecurity Act 2025. The source explicitly records that the Impounding Act 1920 will be repealed by Schedule 6 clause 10 of the Biosecurity Act 2025. The legislative history does not state the precise commencement date of that repeal within the Biosecurity Act text in this source, therefore the timing of repeal depends on the commencement arrangements contained in the Biosecurity Act 2025.

Implications for practitioners

The Act has been iteratively adjusted over a century, with piecemeal changes to procedures, penalty levels and cross-references to modern administrative instruments. The 2019 and 2005 amendments updated notice and sale procedures and recognisance processes respectively, which practitioners should note when advising on recent cases.
The scheduled repeal by the Biosecurity Act 2025 is a material development. Until repeal commences, obligations remain in force and must be complied with. Practitioners and administrative bodies should monitor the Biosecurity Act 2025 commencement timeline and any transitional provisions affecting existing impoundment processes, unclaimed proceeds and appointments.
The legislative history table identifies specific sections that were altered at discrete times. Where a practitioner needs to know the law at a historical point (for example, to assess past conduct), the reprint dates and amendment entries provide a roadmap to which version applied at a given time.

The source does not provide the text of the Biosecurity Act 2025 or transitional provisions, so the practical effect of repeal and migration of functions requires consulting that Act and any subordinate instruments which implement the transfer.

The consolidated text provided contains no case law, judicial summaries, or reported decisions. The Act itself names no cases and the legislative history lists only statutes and amendments. Therefore, within the source material supplied there is no litigation history to summarise.

What the source permits practitioners to infer about disputes

The Act creates multiple points where disputes commonly arise and where litigation or summary proceedings could follow: the amount claimed for damage by trespass and for sustenance and poundage (ss 17, 18), adequacy or excessiveness of notice (ss 22, 24, 25), the regularity of sale and the adequacy of procedural compliance before sale (ss 32, 33), allegations of poundkeeper misconduct including false entries or failure to deliver proceeds (ss 11, 31), and statutory defences to ownership or to stray animals' presence (s 46).
Remedies within the Act: summary actions, applications to justices for sale orders, recovery of unpaid fees as a debt (s 38), orders for payment of unclaimed proceeds (s 13(3)), and judicial directions to refund overpayments paid under protest (s 29). These statutory remedies create the procedural framework for disputes and the likely vehicles for litigation.
Absence of recorded precedent in the source means legal practitioners must consult case reports and local court and Supreme Court records to identify how courts have interpreted notice requirements, the duties of poundkeepers, the sufficiency of entries in the pound book, the application of Schedule rates to particular animals or circumstances, and the limits of justices’ discretion under ss 32, 36 and 39.

Practical note for advisers

Because the Act sets out specific procedural thresholds (notice methods, days for sale, justice oversight), many disputes are procedural and often resolved in summary processes in local courts or before justices. Advice should begin with an audit of compliance with the precise statutory steps set out in the Act and in Schedules, because non-compliance often provides an effective defence or undermines the validity of a sale (s 32(3)).
Where the source gives no litigation history, practitioners should search South Australian case law databases and local court decisions for reported applications and decisions under these sections to identify judicial interpretations, particularly for contested issues such as the definition and measurement of damages, the standard for "sufficiently described" notices, and the application of s 46 defences.

The Act contains many procedural particularities and potentially surprising outcomes for practitioners, poundkeepers, councils and livestock owners. These are precise legal mechanics rather than policy judgments; each item below cites the statutory basis.

Suckling animals counted as one. A suckling animal under six months running with its mother is deemed one animal for fee, sustenance and damage calculations (s 3(2); Schs 5 and 6). This can materially reduce chargeable counts in mixed-age herds.
Person impounding not liable to fees. The person who impounds cattle into a public pound does not become liable to pay poundkeeper fees merely by impounding (s 20). This shifts ultimate fee liability to the owner and clarifies that the impounder’s action does not create a debt obligation for them.
Notice method changes matter. The time limits for sale and procedural consequences depend on how notice is given: posting at the pound, personal delivery, post, or publication on a Minister-determined website attract different waiting periods (s 25, s 32, s 33). Using the wrong method or mis-timing publication can invalidate the sale process and may expose the poundkeeper to liability (s 25(7), s 32(3)).
Minister-determined website option. From 2019 amendments, notices may be published on a website determined by the Minister in lieu of newspaper publication (ss 25(5), 33(2)(c)). Poundkeepers and councils must monitor which website is determined and the procedural rules about posting there, as failure to use the required platform could affect statutory timeframes.
Release only between sunrise and sunset. A poundkeeper is not required to release cattle outside hours of sunrise to sunset (s 27(1) proviso). This is operationally significant for owners seeking immediate release at odd hours.
Undertakings and recognisances are enforceable. Accepting a written undertaking in Schedule 8 or a recognisance under s 30 creates enforceable obligations. Failure to pay an undertaking permits the poundkeeper to use summary distress and sale processes via a justice on oath (s 28).
Strict proof and timing for sale. Before sale of unclaimed cattle a poundkeeper must produce the pound book and satisfy a justice that statutory requirements were complied with, otherwise the justice can suspend sale and require rectification (s 32). If delay is caused by poundkeeper neglect, the poundkeeper bears the extra costs (s 32(5)).
Purchaser protected but some buyers excluded. Purchasers need not prove the regularity of a sale (s 37). However, the person impounding, the justice who ordered the sale, the poundkeeper (and certain close associates) are prohibited purchasers and face penalties and restitution obligations if they buy (s 33(5)).
Certain goats and animals excluded from destruction. Full-bred Angora, Saanen, Toggenburg, British Alpine or Anglo Nubian goats seized on Crown lands are not to be destroyed (s 14(5)). Section 41(2) also exempts these breeds from general kill-on-sight powers for trespassing goats, pigs and poultry. Practitioners must check breed status before destruction.
Penalty caps and currency. Penalty amounts are expressed in dollars and cents in the Act; some sums like the $160 cap under s 9 or $500 penalty under s 45A are statutory maxima. Confirm current monetary units and whether penalty amounts have been increased by later amendment or indexation in other statutes.
Distribution of unclaimed proceeds timetable. Poundkeepers must pay unclaimed proceeds to the Treasurer or council after one month; the recipient retains the funds for two years for the persons entitled, after which they can be applied to public uses (s 13). Missing the one month transfer or incorrectly applying proceeds can create liability and complicate owner claims.
Evidence of ownership. In prosecutions under s 46, ownership is presumed in the absence of contrary proof (s 46(2)). This shifts the evidential burden to the defendant owner to disprove ownership when accused of allowing animals at large.
Local variation and Ministerial consent. Fees and rates may be varied by the Governor for non-district pounds and by councils with the Minister’s written consent for district pounds (s 19). Local variation means a practitioner must check the current schedule as published in the Gazette for the relevant pound before advising clients on likely fees or damages.

These are specific procedural and factual pitfalls that arise from the Act’s drafting. Practitioners should verify the precise statutory timelines, the identity of the Minister-determined website if used for notices, and the current fee tables in the Gazette where changes have been made pursuant to s 19.

Compliance with the Act requires attention to administrative duties, record-keeping, notice procedures, statutory timeframes and fee schedules. Below is a practical compliance checklist for the main actors created by the Act, with statutory pointers.

For councils and the Governor (establishing and closing pounds)

Ensure formal establishment and closure processes. Publish establishment, appointment and closure notices in the Government Gazette as required; those notices are prima facie evidence of lawful establishment or appointment (s 5; s 6(2)). Keep records of those Gazette notices for evidentiary purposes.
Maintain pound adequacy. Ensure pounds meet statutory standards: proper enclosure, capacity to separate infectious animals, provision of shelter and continuous wholesome water and general cleanliness (ss 7, 7A, 8). Consider written maintenance schedules and inspection logs to demonstrate compliance.
Appoint fit poundkeepers and provide statutory materials. On appointment, provide the poundkeeper with a copy of the Act, the Government Gazette notice of appointment, and the pound book form (s 11(1)). Confirm the poundkeeper is not disqualified (e.g. a ranger or publican cannot be appointed, s 4(3)).

For poundkeepers

Keep and maintain statutory records. Use Schedule 3 format for the pound book, make prompt and accurate entries before disputes arise, allow inspection at reasonable times, and file justice orders for at least two years (s 11). Provide monthly copies to the Treasurer or council as applicable (s 11(2)).
Display and maintain fees board. Within 14 days of appointment erect the board listing lawful fees and damage rates and keep it legible and up to date, including updating within 14 days of lawful variations (s 12). Keep a paper or glass-protected version if printed (s 12(1)).
Follow feeding and water obligations. Provide wholesome food at least twice daily at specified times and ensure constant access to water (s 7(2)(c); s 8). Document feedings and water checks to evidence compliance and avoid penalties.
Comply with notice and sale procedures. Post impound notices at the pound immediately on impounding (s 24), give written notice to owner where known within statutory periods (s 25(2)-(4)), and publish notices on the Minister-determined website or local newspaper when owner unknown (s 25(5)). Produce pound book and proof of compliance to a justice before sale (s 32).
Account for monies correctly. Render monthly accounts and remit unclaimed proceeds after one month to the Treasurer or council as required; ensure records of remittances and retain copies (s 13). Respect the distribution priority on sale proceeds (s 40).

For rangers and persons authorised to impound

Follow statutory impounding powers and fees. Impound only in places authorised by the Act (s 14) and use Schedule 4 fees where applicable. Where conveying cattle by vehicle, claim conveyance costs as per s 15A and record distances and costs carefully.
Provide accurate notices to poundkeeper. When impounding, give the poundkeeper the particulars required by s 22 promptly so that the statutory notice obligations can be met.

For landowners and occupiers

Adhere to impounding-on-own-land rules. If there is no public pound within eight kilometres and you impound on your land, notify known owners or the nearest poundkeeper within 24 hours and feed and maintain cattle for the statutory seven-day limit (s 15).
Claim damages using Schedule 6 rates. When claiming trespass damage under s 18 use the rates in Schedule 6 and observe the enhanced process for unenclosed land where notice was provided (s 18(2)).
Deliver proof and particulars. If you wish to sue for full compensation in superior courts, enable the statutory pre-action notice process in s 48 and observe the seven-day waiting period.

For cattle owners

Know the release pathways. Pay the sums claimed plus lawful fees and sustenance charges to secure release (ss 21, 27), or provide an undertaking in Schedule 8, or enter recognisance if proceedings are started and the claim does not exceed $160 (ss 28, 30).
Use payment under protest if necessary. If you believe the claimed amount is excessive, pay under written protest and bring timely proceedings to recover the excess, using s 29 to obtain a refund where the court so directs.
Maintain proper confinement and records. Keep evidence of steps taken to confine animals and to respond to intrusions promptly to support the defence in s 46(2a) if charged with allowing animals at large.

For auctioneers and purchasers

Ensure licence and compliance. Sales of impounded cattle must be conducted by persons properly licensed by the Governor or council (s 33(3)). Check licence status before conducting sales and ensure auction notices are published and posted as required.
Be aware of prohibited purchasers. Do not allow persons specifically barred under s 33(5) to bid or purchase, and ensure sale lots adhere to statutory limits on lot sizes (s 33(4)).

Administrative and risk management steps common to all actors

Monitor Gazette and Ministerial determinations. Fees, variations and the Minister-determined website are notified in the Government Gazette; maintain a system for checking relevant Gazettes and Ministerial determinations to ensure correct fee tables and publication channels are used (s 5, s 19, ss 25(5), 33(2)(c)).
Maintain documentary evidence. Keep timestamped records of notices given, publications made, entries in the pound book, feeding logs, invoices, remittances and communications with owners to support compliance and defend potential disputes (ss 11, 25, 32).
Train staff and volunteers. Ensure persons authorised to impound, transport or handle cattle understand the legal limits on impounding locations, the steps for notice and the consequences of incorrect actions such as unlawful release or pound rescues (ss 14, 16, 43).
Insurances and indemnities. Poundkeepers are liable for wilful acts or neglect in custody of cattle (s 23(2)). Councils and poundkeepers should therefore review insurance cover, indemnity arrangements and internal controls to mitigate potential claims.

Following the statutory steps in the Act and keeping robust documentary evidence of compliance will reduce risks of penalties, invalidated sales, and claims for compensation. Practitioners advising clients should cross-check fees and any local variations published under s 19, and align procedures with the justice practices governing applications and recognisances.

Impounding Act 1920

Plain English Summary

Deep Dive

What it does

Current sections

Impounding Act 1920

Source text: opening excerpt

1 Impounding Act 1920

Main concepts

Who it affects

Key duties and rights

Penalties and enforcement

How it interacts with other laws

Amendment history

Litigation history

Gotchas

How to comply