Animals (Straying) Act

Section 1. Power to seize straying animals Section 1(1) An administrative, veterinary or police officer or inspecting officer may seize any animal found straying, or any animal of which he or she has reason to believe the owner refuses to take and keep charge, and may order that animal to be taken immediately into any area or place, or he or she may remove the animal to any pound, enclosure or other place selected by a veterinary officer and detain it there subject to the orders of a magistrate. Section 1(2) Any seizure and detention made under this section shall with all practicable speed be reported by the official making it to a magistrate having jurisdiction in the area within which the seizure has been made.

Section 2. Disposal of straying animals Section no order shall be made unless the owner, if his or her name and whereabouts are known, of the animal has had an opportunity of appearing before the magistrate to show cause why the order should not be made; and