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.