22Authorised officers may destroy animals taken into possession in certain circumstances

#### 22 Authorised officers may destroy animals taken into possession in certain circumstances 22 Authorised officers may destroy animals taken into possession in certain circumstances > > (1) This section applies if, after taking possession of an animal under this Division, an authorised officer reasonably believes— > > > > > (a) the animal is so severely diseased or injured, or in so poor a physical or psychological condition, that it is cruel to keep the animal alive, or > > > > > (b) there is no alternative to the immediate destruction of the animal because the animal is a threat to the health or safety of persons, other animals or the environment. > > > (2) The authorised officer may destroy the animal, in a way that causes the animal to die quickly and without unnecessary pain, if— > > > > > (a) a veterinary practitioner is not available, or > > > > > (b) the authorised officer reasonably believes waiting for a veterinary practitioner would be cruel or otherwise inappropriate. > > > (3) In this section— > > > > veterinary practitioner has the same meaning as in the [Veterinary Practice Act 2003](/view/html/inforce/current/act-2003-087).