17Power to take possession of animals

17 Power to take possession of animals

(1)  An officer may take possession of an animal and detain it in a safe place if the officer is satisfied that –

(a) [Section 17 Subsection (1) amended by No. 36 of 2022, s. 9, Applied:30 Nov 2022] [Section 17 Subsection (1) amended by No. 36 of 2022, s. 9, Applied:30 Nov 2022] an offence under this Act has been, or is being or is likely to be, committed in respect of the animal; or

(ab) [Section 17 Subsection (1) amended by No. 36 of 2022, s. 9, Applied:30 Nov 2022] the animal requires medical treatment by a veterinary surgeon to relieve, or reduce, the pain or suffering of the animal; or

(b) unless possession of the animal is taken –

(i) its life will be endangered; or

(ii) any pain or suffering it is undergoing will be unreasonably or unjustifiably prolonged.

(2)  An officer may –

(a) for the purpose of taking possession of an animal, be aided by such assistants as the officer considers necessary; and

(b) detain or cause the animal to be detained at such place and in such circumstances as the officer considers appropriate.

(3)  An assistant in the company of an officer has the same powers under this section as the officer.