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29 Authorised officer may seize unattached identifiers or branding devices

29 Authorised officer may seize unattached identifiers or branding devices

(1) This clause applies to the following items only—

(a) a permanent identifier (or something that could reasonably be mistaken for a permanent identifier) that is not attached to any stock,

(b) a branding device that has, or appears to have, a property identification code.

(2) An authorised officer may seize an item if the authorised officer believes on reasonable grounds that—

(a) the item is not being used for the purposes of this Part, or

(b) the item has been abandoned, or

(c) if the item has a property identification code—the item is in the possession of a person without the approval of the owner or occupier (the relevant owner or occupier) of the property to which that code was assigned or the owner or person in charge of identifiable stock on the property.

Note.

Where a permanent identifier or branding device is used in connection with an offence, Part 8 of the Act applies to the seizure and disposal of the item.

(3) An authorised officer may dispose of an item seized under this clause if the relevant owner or occupier does not claim it within 3 months.

(4) An authorised officer is to dispose of an identifier in a manner that ensures the identifier is unable to be used or attached to identifiable stock.

(5) An authorised officer is to dispose of a branding device in a manner that ensures the branding device is unable to be used.