24Humane killing

24 Humane killing

(1)  A person who has the care or charge of cattle must not allow cattle to be killed unless the killing is carried out humanely by –

(a) a veterinary surgeon; or

(b) a person who is suitably trained and experienced in the humane killing of cattle; or

(c) a person who is acting under the direct supervision of a person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) .

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and

(b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.

(2)  It is a defence in proceedings for an offence under subregulation (1) if the defendant establishes that –

(a) the animal was humanely killed; and

(b) it was not possible to find a veterinary surgeon or suitably trained person within a reasonable time; and

(c) the delay in waiting for a veterinary surgeon or suitably trained person would have caused unreasonable suffering to the animal.

(3)  A person who has the care or charge of cattle must not allow a calf to be killed by a blow to the forehead unless –

(a) the calf is less than 24 hours of age; and

(b) no other suitable humane killing method is available.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and

(b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.

(4)  For this regulation, humane killing occurs if –

(a) the animal is rendered suddenly unconscious; and

(b) the death of the animal occurs while it is unconscious; and

(c) the person carrying out the humane killing takes reasonable action to confirm the death of the animal.