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Papua New Guinea Consolidated Legislation |
Chapter 329.
Animals Act 1952.
Certified on: / /20 .
INDEPENDENT
STATE OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA.
Chapter 329.
Animals Act 1952.
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS.
1. Interpretation.
2. Interpretation of Part II.
3. Straying animals.
4. Confinement of stock.
5. Complaint about unconfined animals.
6. Orders to confine animals.
7. Service of order.
8. Extension of time in order.
9. Forfeiture of animals not confined.
10. Using animals to make other person liable.
11. Interpretation of Part III.
12. Application of Part III.
13. Pounds.
14. Poundkeepers.
15. Pound book.
16. Fees.
17. Table of fees.
18. Impounding.
19. Impounding at nearest pound.
20. Impounded animals.
21. Recovery of impounded animals.
22. Posting of notice of impounding.
23. Sale by auction of impounded animals.
24. Destruction of unsold animals.
25. Proceeds of sale.
26. Allowing animals to stray.
27. Interpretation of Part IV.
28. Chief Inspector of Brands.
29. Registrar and Deputy Registrars of Brands.
30. Inspectors of Brands.
31. Powers of inspectors.
32. Application for registration.
33. Registration.
34. Certificate of registration.
35. Register of Brands and Earmarks.
36. Effect of registration as owner of brand or earmark.
37. Transfer of brands and earmarks.
38. Cancellation of registration.
39. Cancellation for non-user.
40. Cancellation of defaced brand.
41. Horse and cattle brands.
42. Sheep brands and earmarks.
43. Distinctive brands.
44. Stud or herd book numbers.
45. Pound brands.
46. Official brands.
47. Departmental brands.
48. Branding.
49. Cattle earmarks.
50. Proof of ownership by vendor.
51. Obstruction.
52. False statements, etc.
53. Destruction of Register, etc.
54. Use of brands or earmarks.
55. Compulsory branding or earmarking.
56. Manner of branding or earmarking.
57. Unlawful branding or earmarking.
58. Defacing brands or earmarks.
59. Defacing brands on hides.
60. Effect of possession of stock or hides bearing defaced brands.
61. Possession of certain stock and hides.
62. Cropping.
63. Forfeiture, etc.
64. Half-yearly statements.
65. Brands Directory.
66. Evidence.
67. Regulations for the purposes of Part IV.
68. Owners of dogs.
69. Destruction of dangerous dogs.
70. Attacks by dogs.
71. Compensation for damage by dogs.
72. Wilfully urging dogs to attack, etc.
73. Keeping of dogs in specified areas.
74. Female dogs on heat.
75. Prohibited areas.
76. Application of Division 3.
77. Local Government rules as to dogs.
78. Ownership.
79. Registration.
80. Registration Officers.
81. Duties of Registration Officers.
82. Registration disc.
83. Proof of registration.
84. Seizure of registered dog found wandering at large.
85. Seizure of unregistered dog found wandering at large.
86. Registered dog not having disc.
87. False declaration.
88. Removing collar.
89. Proceeds of sale.
90. Regulations for the purposes of Part V.
91. Interpretation of Part VI.
92. Exemptions.
93. Authorized officers.
94. Cruel acts.
95. Prohibition of cruelty.
96. Baiting, etc., of animals.
97. Captive animals.
98. Neglect or abandonment of animals.
99. Right to provide food for confined animals.
100. Destruction of suffering animals.
101. Arrest of offenders.
102. Detention of animal or vehicle as security.
103. Permitting certain offences.
104. Compensation.
105. Regulations.
INDEPENDENT STATE OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA.
AN ACT
entitled
Animals Act 1952,
Being an Act relating to trespass by, confinement of, identification of, and the prevention of cruelty to, animals generally, and to provide for the control of dogs.
PART I. – PRELIMINARY.
1. INTERPRETATION.
“brand” means a horse and cattle brand, a sheep brand or a distinctive brand;
“branded stock” means stock that has been branded in accordance with Part IV;
“the Brands Directory” means the Brands Directory published under Section 65;
“cattle” means any animal of the genus Bos;
“cattle earmark” means a mark or cut upon the ear of any cattle;
“the Chief Inspector of Brands” means the Chief Inspector of Brands appointed under Section 28;
“court” means a court of summary jurisdiction;
“crop” means to cut a straight cut taking off a portion of the ear of stock;
“cruelty” means the intentional or deliberate infliction on an animal of pain that in–
(a) its kind or degree; or
(b) its objects; or
(c) its circumstances,
is unreasonable, wanton or malicious;
“distinctive brand” means a brand that–
(a) is set apart by the Registrar of Brands for a specific purpose; or
(b) the owner may brand on a horse or cattle to denote–
(i) the ownership of the horse or cattle by a member of a family or partnership, where a horse and cattle brand is registered jointly in the names of members of a family or partnership; or
(ii) the class, age or description of the horse or cattle; or
(iii) any other fact which the owner desires to denote;
“earmark” means a cattle earmark or a sheep earmark;
“hide” means the skin taken from any kind of stock, or a portion of such a skin;
“horse” means a horse, mare, gelding, colt, filly, ass, hinny or mule;
“horse and cattle brand” means a brand consisting of the permanent impression by branding on any horse or cattle to denote ownership of the horse or cattle;
“Inspector of Brands” means an Inspector of Brands appointed under Section 30, or an officer of the Police Force;
“official brand” means a brand set apart by the Registrar and used to denote the cancellation of a brand;
“official mark” means a mark set aside by the Registrar and used to denote the cancellation of a brand;
“owner”, in relation to a registered brand or earmark or any stock or run, includes a person who is the authorized representative, agent, manager or overseer of the owner who has the custody or control of the stock;
“person” includes a partnership;
“pliers” means any instrument or contrivance approved by the Registrar or an Inspector for use in earmarking stock;
“poundkeeper” includes the person for the time being in the authorized charge of a pound;
“the Register” means the Register of Brands and Earmarks kept under Section 35;
“registered” means registered under this Act;
“the Registrar” means the Registrar of Brands appointed under Section 29, and includes a Deputy Registrar of Brands appointed under that section;
“the regulations” means any regulations made under this Act;
“residence” in relation to the owner of any stock, means his residence, house, homestead, office or head station;
“saleyard” means a yard, premises or place where stock are–
(a) sold or offered or exposed for sale; or
(b) held or kept for the purpose of being sold or offered or exposed for sale; or
(c) kept or held on sale;
“sheep brand” means–
(a) a fire brand permanently impressed on the face or horns of a sheep or goat; or
(b) a paint brand imprinted on the wool or any other part of a sheep or goat,
to denote ownership of the sheep or goat;
“sheep earmark” means a mark or cut on the ear of a sheep or goat to denote ownership of the sheep or goat;
“spay mark” means a circular mark not exceeding 40mm in diameter made or cut wholly within the off or near ear of any cow or heifer to denote that it has been spayed;
“stock” means any horses, cattle or sheep;
“this Act” includes the regulations.
PART II. – ANIMAL TRESPASS.
2. INTERPRETATION OF PART II.
“animal” means any stock, goat or swine, of any age or sex.
3. STRAYING ANIMALS.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K4.00, and in addition such compensation, not exceeding K40.00, to the person aggrieved as the court that convicts the offender thinks just.
4. CONFINEMENT OF STOCK.
(2) The following constructions are proper fences for the purposes of this Part:–
(a) a post and rail fence at least 1,050mm high of substantial material, firmly erected–
(i) with no greater distance between the rails or between the bottom rail and the ground than 300mm; and
(ii) posts not more than 2.75m apart;
(b) a substantial wire fence at least 1,050mm high having–
(i) wires tightly stretched with no greater distance between each of the three lowest wires, or between the bottom wire and the ground, than 180 mm; and
(ii) posts not more than 3.5m apart; and
(iii) straining posts not more than 90m apart;
(c) a wall of stone or other substantial material at least 1,200mm high and not less than 600mm wide at the bottom and 230mm wide at the top;
(d) a substantial paling fence at least 1,050mm high with no greater distance between the palings than 100mm;
(e) subject to Subsection (3)–
(i) a log or sapling fence; or
(ii) a ditch; or
(iii) a ditch and fence; or
(iv) a ditch and wall; or
(v) a ditch and hedge;
(f) a construction of any other kind declared by the Minister, by notice in the National Gazette, to be a proper fence for the purposes of this Part.
(3) A construction referred to in Subsection (2)(e) is not a proper fence for the purposes of this Part unless it is certified as a proper fence by the Provincial Administrator or by a person appointed by the Provincial Administrator for the purpose.
5. COMPLAINT ABOUT UNCONFINED ANIMALS.
(a) any owner of or person who has charge of the animal; or
(b) if there is no owner or person in charge of the animal in the country, any person in the country who apparently has a legal authority over or a legal interest in the animal,
to show cause why an order to keep the animal confined should not be issued.
(2) If after diligent inquiry the Provincial Administrator is unable to find a person in the country who–
(a) is an owner of or has charge of the animal; or
(b) has or apparently has a legal authority over or a legal interest in the animal,
the Provincial Administrator may proceed to hear and determine the case–
(c) without summoning any person; and
(d) without the presence at the hearing of any person as a defendant or the representative of a defendant.
6. ORDERS TO CONFINE ANIMALS.
(2) The time after which the animal is to be kept confined shall be fixed by the Provincial Administrator having regard to the circumstances of the case.
(3) An order under this section is final.
7. SERVICE OF ORDER.
(2) One copy shall be kept by the Provincial Administrator who issues it and the other shall, subject to Subsections (3) and (4), be served on some person in the country who is an owner of or has charge of the animal to which the order relates.
(3) Subject to Subsection (4), if the Provincial Administrator is unable to find in the country a person who owns or has charge of the animal, he shall cause the order to be served on some person in the country who in his opinion has a legal authority over or a legal interest in the animal.
(4) If the Provincial Administrator is unable, after diligent inquiry, to find a person in the country who is the owner or has charge of, or who, in his opinion has a legal authority over or a legal interest in, the animal, the order shall be published in the National Gazette.
(5) Service of the order or publication in lieu of service, in the manner prescribed by this section, is notice of the issue of the order to all persons to whom the order is addressed.
8. EXTENSION OF TIME IN ORDER.
9. FORFEITURE OF ANIMALS NOT CONFINED.
(2) An animal forfeited under Subsection (1) shall be disposed of as the Minister determines.
10. USING ANIMALS TO MAKE OTHER PERSON LIABLE.
(a) so as to make that other person liable to a penalty, forfeiture or payment under this Part in respect of the animal; or
(b) in such a manner that an order may be made under this Part relating to the animal,
is guilty of an offence.
Penalty: Imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
PART III. – POUNDS.
11. INTERPRETATION OF PART III.
“animal” includes any stock, goat or swine.
12. APPLICATION OF PART III.
13. POUNDS.
14. POUNDKEEPERS.
(2) If a poundkeeper is absent or, through illness or any other cause, incapable of acting as poundkeeper, a person appointed in writing by him for the purpose may act as poundkeeper during the absence or incapacity of the poundkeeper.
(3) The Minister may, by written notice addressed to a person appointed under Subsection (2), revoke the appointment, and may by the same or another notice appoint a person to act as poundkeeper during the absence or incapacity of the poundkeeper.
15. POUND BOOK.
(a) keep a pound book in the prescribed form; and
(b) make an entry in the book as soon as possible after the doing of any thing required to be entered.
16. FEES.
(2) Conduct fees are payable in respect of the conduct or conveyance of impounded animals from the place of seizure to the pound.
(3) Sustenance fees are payable in respect of the sustenance in the pound of impounded animals.
17. TABLE OF FEES.
(2) When an animal is impounded, the poundkeeper shall immediately post a written notice on the gate or other conspicuous part of the pound giving the number, particular brands or apparent brands, and marks of the animal, and the notice shall remain posted until the animal has been claimed or disposed of as provided by this Act.
18. IMPOUNDING.
19. IMPOUNDING AT NEAREST POUND.
20. IMPOUNDED ANIMALS.
21. RECOVERY OF IMPOUNDED ANIMALS.
(2) The right to recover an animal from a pound under Subsection (1) may be barred if application for its recovery is not made within 14 days of the impounding.
22. POSTING OF NOTICE OF IMPOUNDING.
23. SALE BY AUCTION OF IMPOUNDED ANIMALS.
(2) The poundkeeper shall act as auctioneer and the sale shall commence at 10 am.
(3) The poundkeeper shall not in person or by his agent–
(a) purchase an animal at the sale; or
(b) have an interest in an animal purchased at a sale.
(4) Not more than–
(a) one head of cattle, other than sheep, goats or swine; or
(b) 10 sheep, goats or pigs,
shall be sold in one lot but this subsection does not prevent a cow with her calf or a mare with her foal from being sold in one lot.
24. DESTRUCTION OF UNSOLD ANIMALS.
(a) no bid has been made at the sale; and
(b) the animal is not worth the fees prescribed,
the poundkeeper may–
(c) cause the animal to be destroyed; and
(d) dispose of the carcass in such way as he thinks best.
(2) The proceeds of the sale under Subsection (1) of the carcass or any portion of the carcass shall be treated in the same way as the proceeds of the sale of impounded animals.
25. PROCEEDS OF SALE.
(a) in payment of the costs and charges of the sale;
(b) in payment of all costs incurred by the poundkeeper in feeding and conduct of the animal;
(c) in payment of all fees and charges payable to the State,
and the balance (if any) is payable to the owner of the animal.
(2) If the balance referred to in Subsection (1) is not claimed by a person entitled within one month after the sale, the poundkeeper shall pay it to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and all right or claim of a person to it ceases.
26. ALLOWING ANIMALS TO STRAY.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K20.00.
PART IV. – STOCK BRANDS.
Division 1.
Preliminary.
27. INTERPRETATION OF PART IV.
“stock” includes goats;
“vendor” includes an auctioneer or other agent of a vendor.
Division 2.
Administration.
28. CHIEF INSPECTOR OF BRANDS.
(2) The Chief Inspector of Brands has and may exercise and perform all the powers, functions, privileges and immunities of an Inspector.
29. REGISTRAR AND DEPUTY REGISTRARS OF BRANDS.
(2) The Minister may, by notice in the National Gazette, appoint officers to be Deputy Registrars of Brands for the purposes of this Part.
(3) Where by or under this Part anything is required or permitted to be done by the Registrar of Brands, it may lawfully be done by a Deputy Registrar of Brands.
30. INSPECTORS OF BRANDS.
31. POWERS OF INSPECTORS.
(a) enter on any part of a run; and
(b) search for, muster or inspect any stock, hide, brand, branding instrument or pliers on a run; and
(c) order the owner or person in charge of any stock to muster or produce it for inspection; and
(d) order the owner or person in charge of any hide, brand, branding instrument or pliers to produce it for inspection; and
(e) seize and detain any stock in respect of which the owner or person in charge–
(i) has committed; or
(ii) is suspected of committing or of having committed,
an offence against this Part; and
(f) seize and detain any hide, brand, branding instrument or pliers that–
(i) is not or are not authorized by this Part; or
(ii) is or are, or is or are suspected to be, possessed or used contrary to this Part; and
(g) for any of the purposes referred to in Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f), use such force as is necessary.
(2) Any stock, hide, brand, branding instrument or pliers seized under this section and required for the purpose of evidence only may be detained in a safe place for so long as is reasonably necessary for the purpose.
Division 3.
Registration.
32. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION.
(a) an application in the prescribed form; and
(b) the prescribed fee.
33. REGISTRATION.
(a) allot to the applicant a horse and cattle brand, cattle earmark, sheep brand, sheep earmark or distinctive brand as the case may be; and
(b) register the brand or earmark in the name of the applicant.
(2) If, in the opinion of the Registrar a brand or earmark applied for is similar to or easily convertible into a registered brand or earmark of any other person, or for any other reasonable cause, the Registrar shall make, or allow the applicant to make, modifications in the brand or earmark applied for so as to make it dissimilar to or not convertible into the brand or earmark of the other person.
(3) A cattle earmark or distinctive brand shall not be allotted to or registered in the name of a person who is not the owner of a horse and cattle brand.
34. CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION.
(2) The certificate of registration of a brand or earmark is prima facie evidence–
(a) of the registration of the brand; and
(b) that the person named in the certificate is the owner of the brand.
35. REGISTER OF BRANDS AND EARMARKS.
36. EFFECT OF REGISTRATION AS OWNER OF BRAND OR EARMARK.
37. TRANSFER OF BRANDS AND EARMARKS.
(2) The Registrar may refuse on any reasonable ground, to register the transfer of a registered brand or earmark.
38. CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION.
(a) at the request of the owner of the brand; or
(b) in the event of the lease, sale or transfer of the run in relation to which the brand is registered; or
(c) in accordance with Section 39; or
(d) on any other reasonable ground.
39. CANCELLATION FOR NON-USER.
(2) A notice under Subsection (1) shall be–
(a) served personally or by post addressed to the last-known residence of the owner; and
(b) published in the National Gazette.
(3) The Registrar may cancel the brand or earmark if, within six months after a notice under this section is served or published, whichever first happens, cause is not shown to the satisfaction of the Registrar why the brand or earmark should not be cancelled.
(4) The Registrar may re-allot a brand or earmark that has been cancelled under this section.
40. CANCELLATION OF DEFACED BRAND.
Division 4.
Brands and Earmarks.
41. HORSE AND CATTLE BRANDS.
(a) three letters; or
(b) two letters and a numeral; or
(c) one letter and two numerals.
(2) The shape, pattern, the arrangement of the letters and numerals of a horse and cattle brand shall be as determined by the Registrar.
(3) Horse and cattle brands shall be impressed as follows:–
(a) the breeder or person impressing the first brand shall impress his brand on any one of the following positions:–
(i) left neck;
(ii) left shoulder;
(iii) left thigh;
(iv) left ribs;
(v) left rump;
(b) every subsequent brand shall be impressed–
(i) if there is sufficient space–on the same position as the immediately preceding brand, and at a distance of not less than 40mm or more than 60mm from and directly below it; and
(ii) if there is not sufficient space for the subsequent brand on the position, referred to in Subparagraph (i)–on the position next in the order shown in Paragraph (a), the position specified in Paragraph (a)(i) succeeding the position specified in Paragraph (a)(v);
(c) the animal shall be deemed to be last branded with the brand that appears to be the last brand impressed according to Paragraphs (a) and (b).
(4) The last horse and cattle brand impressed on an animal is prima facie evidence that the owner of that brand is the owner of the animal.
42. SHEEP BRANDS AND EARMARKS.
(2) A sheep brand or sheep earmark shall be branded or made as prescribed, but a cut or cuts made on the ear of a sheep must not remove more than one-third of the ear.
(3) A mark must not be made on an ear of a sheep that is already marked with a registered sheep earmark.
(4) A sheep earmark must be made with pliers.
43. DISTINCTIVE BRANDS.
(2) A distinctive brand must be branded on horses or cattle only in the position specified in the application for the brand.
44. STUD OR HERD BOOK NUMBERS.
(a) directly beneath the registered brand; and
(b) at a distance not less than 40mm or more than 60mm from the registered brand.
(2) A brand denoting the age of any horse or cattle need not be registered under this Part.
45. POUND BRANDS.
(a) allot to each public pound a brand to be called a pound brand; and
(b) enter particulars of each brand so allotted in the Register.
(2) The keeper of a pound shall, on the sale of any horse or cattle impounded in the pound, brand the horse or cattle with the pound brand in the prescribed manner.
(3) The Registrar may–
(a) cancel a pound brand; and
(b) allot a new pound brand in place of a cancelled pound brand.
46. OFFICIAL BRANDS.
47. DEPARTMENTAL BRANDS.
48. BRANDING.
(2) The letters and numerals comprised in a horse and cattle brand shall be so imprinted on any horse or cattle branded with the brand that no letter or numeral is imprinted at a greater distance than 25mm from the next contiguous letter or numeral in the brand.
49. CATTLE EARMARKS.
(a) consist of one or more cuts on either or both of the ears of the cattle; and
(b) be arranged and placed in such positions as are prescribed; and
(c) be made with pliers,
and the cut or cuts must not remove more than one third of the ear.
(2) Where any head of cattle has been earmarked it must not again be earmarked with a registered earmark.
(3) A mark other than a registered earmark must not be made on either ear of any cattle.
(4) Subsection (3) does not prohibit the making of a spay mark on either ear of a cow or heifer which has been spayed.
Division 5.
Sale, etc., of Stock.
50. PROOF OF OWNERSHIP BY VENDOR.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00.
(2) A person must not purchase any branded stock, or accept any branded stock by way of exchange or gift, unless the prescribed proof of ownership of the branded stock is produced to him.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K100.00.
(3) A person who–
(a) is the owner of a registered brand; and
(b) purchases or accepts branded stock under Subsection (2),
and who fails to brand the stock in accordance with this Act within 14 days of acquiring it, is guilty of an offence.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K100.00.
(4) This section does not affect the operation of the Sale of Stolen Cattle Prevention Act 1960.
Division 6.
Offences.
51. OBSTRUCTION.
(a) hinders or impedes, or attempts to hinder or impede, an Inspector in the execution of his duty or the performance of his functions under this Part; or
(b) refuses or fails to produce for inspection any branding instrument or pliers when required by an Inspector; or
(c) refuses or fails to assist an Inspector when required by the Inspector to muster any stock for inspection in accordance with this Part,
is guilty of an offence.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K100.00.
52. FALSE STATEMENTS, ETC.
(a) makes in a Register, certificate, half-yearly statement, Brands Directory or other document or record kept, issued or published under this Part; or
(b) makes in an application, form or document forwarded to the Registrar under this Part,
a statement that to his knowledge is false in a material particular is guilty of an offence.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K100.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
53. DESTRUCTION OF REGISTER, ETC.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K100.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
54. USE OF BRANDS OR EARMARKS.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
55. COMPULSORY BRANDING OR EARMARKING.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K20.00.
56. MANNER OF BRANDING OR EARMARKING.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K100.00.
57. UNLAWFUL BRANDING OR EARMARKING.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
58. DEFACING BRANDS OR EARMARKS.
(a) wilfully blotches, defaces, alters or renders illegible a brand or earmark on any stock; or
(b) except as allowed by Section 40, knowingly sells or offers for sale any stock a brand or earmark on which has been blotched, defaced, altered or rendered illegible,
is guilty of an offence.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
59. DEFACING BRANDS ON HIDES.
(a) wilfully blotches, defaces, alters, renders illegible or removes a brand on a hide; or
(b) except as allowed by Section 40, knowingly sells or offers for sale a hide or brand on which has been blotched, defaced, altered or rendered illegible, or from which a brand has been removed,
is guilty of an offence.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year.
60. EFFECT OF POSSESSION OF STOCK OR HIDES BEARING DEFACED BRANDS.
61. POSSESSION OF CERTAIN STOCK AND HIDES.
(a) a brand on the stock or hide had been blotched, defaced, altered or made illegible; or
(b) a brand had been removed from the hide,
as the case may be.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K100.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
(2) This section does not apply to possession by or under the authority of an Inspector acting in the performance of his duty.
62. CROPPING.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K20.00.
63. FORFEITURE, ETC.
(2) An Inspector who has seized any stock, hide, brand, branding instrument or pliers may make application to a District Court for an order for–
(a) the forfeiture of; or
(b) directions as to the disposal of,
the stock, hide, brand, branding instrument or pliers.
Division 7.
Miscellaneous.
64. HALF-YEARLY STATEMENTS.
(a) of all brands registered, cancelled or transferred; and
(b) of all pound brands allotted or cancelled,
during the preceding six months.
65. BRANDS DIRECTORY.
(a) as directed by the Minister, prepare and publish a Brands Directory, containing particulars of all brands and earmarks registered, pound brands allotted and official brands and official marks set apart; and
(b) forward a copy to each Inspector and poundkeeper.
66. EVIDENCE.
(a) a certificate of registration or notification of transfer or cancellation of a registered brand or earmark; or
(b) a certificate as to ownership of a registered brand or earmark,
is prima facie evidence of the facts set out in the certificate or notification.
67. REGULATIONS FOR THE PURPOSES OF PART IV.
(a) the procedure for the registration of brands and earmarks; and
(b) matters in relation to which fees are payable and the fees to be paid; and
(c) the forms required for the purposes of this Part; and
(d) the imposition of penalties of fines not exceeding K40.00 for offences against the regulations made for the purposes of this Part.
PART V. – DOGS.
Division 1.
Interpretation of Part V.
68. OWNERS OF DOGS.
(a) keeps or harbours, or has in his care for the time being, a dog, whether at large or in confinement; or
(b) occupies a house or premises in which a dog is usually kept or permitted to remain; or
(c) where there are more occupiers than one in a house or premises let in separate flats, apartments or lodgings–occupies a part of the house or premises in which a dog is usually kept or permitted to remain,
shall be deemed to be an owner of the dog.
Division 2.
Control of Dogs.
69. DESTRUCTION OF DANGEROUS DOGS.
(2) A person who fails to comply with an order made under Subsection (1) is guilty of an offence.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K100.00.
Default penalty: A fine not exceeding K10.00.
70. ATTACKS BY DOGS.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K50.00.
71. COMPENSATION FOR DAMAGE BY DOGS.
(2) In proceedings under this section, it is not necessary to prove–
(a) a previous mischievous tendency in the dog; or
(b) the owner’s knowledge of such mischievous tendency; or
(c) that the damage was due to the negligence of the owner.
72. WILFULLY URGING DOGS TO ATTACK, ETC.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
73. KEEPING OF DOGS IN SPECIFIED AREAS.
(a) generally; or
(b) by a specified class of persons.
(2) A person who keeps a dog in contravention of the provisions of a notice under Subsection (1) is guilty of an offence.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K50.00.
74. FEMALE DOGS ON HEAT.
(2) The owner of a female dog who allows her to be at large in a street or public place in an area specified in a notice under Subsection (1) whilst she is on heat is guilty of an offence.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K50.00.
75. PROHIBITED AREAS.
(2) A person who brings a dog into an area declared under Subsection (1) is guilty of an offence.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K100.00.
(3) A dog found in an area declared under Subsection (1) may be seized by a member of the Police Force, a District Officer or a person authorized by a District Officer for the purpose.
(4) If, within 48 hours after the seizure of a dog under Subsection (1), the owner of the dog does not claim the dog and pay the prescribed fee, the dog may be sold by public auction or destroyed without cruelty by some speedy means without any liability in respect of the sale or destruction.
Division 3.
Registration of Dogs.
76. APPLICATION OF DIVISION 3.
77. LOCAL GOVERNMENT RULES AS TO DOGS.
(2) A rule referred to in Subsection (1) is subject to the Local-level Governments Administration Act 1997.
(3) Where the Minister is satisfied that a rule or proposed rule made or to be made in accordance with this section adequately provides for some or all of the matters dealt with by this Division, he may, by notice in the National Gazette, declare that some or all of the provisions of this Division do not, to the extent specified in the notice, apply in the Council area or in the part of the Council area to which the rule applies, as the case may be.
78. OWNERSHIP.
(2) The burden of proof that a person referred to in Subsection (1) is not the owner of the dog is on the person.
79. REGISTRATION.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K20.00.
Default penalty: A fine not exceeding K2.00.
(2) The owner of a dog may register it under this Division at any time after it is born.
(3) A dog may be registered–
(a) at the Subdistrict Office of the subdistrict in which it is intended to keep the dog; or
(b) at any other place in the province appointed by the Provincial Administrator for the purpose.
(4) A person registering a dog shall, in addition to the payment of the registration fee, deliver or send to the Registration Officer–
(a) a description of the dog in the prescribed form; and
(b) a declaration of the truth of the description under the hand of the owner of the dog or of a person authorized by the owner for the purpose.
(5) The fee for registration shall be as prescribed.
(6) The registration of a dog remains in force from the day on which it is made until the next 30 June.
80. REGISTRATION OFFICERS.
(a) the Provincial Administrator of the province in which a dog is kept or intended to be kept; or
(b) another officer appointed in writing for the purpose by the Provincial Administrator.
81. DUTIES OF REGISTRATION OFFICERS.
(a) enter in a book kept by him in the prescribed form for the purpose–
(i) a registration number for each dog registered; and
(ii) the date of registration; and
(iii) the name and address of the owner; and
(iv) a description of the dog; and
(b) deliver or send a receipt in the prescribed form for the registration fee, containing the particulars referred to in Paragraph (a).
82. REGISTRATION DISC.
(2) If a disc referred to in Subsection (1) is lost, the owner may, on application to the Registration Officer and on payment of the prescribed fee, receive a new disc, and the number of the new disc shall be deemed to be the registration number of the dog in respect of which the disc is issued.
83. PROOF OF REGISTRATION.
(2) For the purposes of proceedings under this Part, the receipt referred to in Section 81 or a certified copy of the receipt is prima facie evidence–
(a) of the registration of the dog in accordance with the particulars specified in the receipt; and
(b) that the person described in the receipt as the owner of a dog is the owner of the dog.
84. SEIZURE OF REGISTERED DOG FOUND WANDERING AT LARGE.
(a) a member of the Police Force, a District Officer or a person authorized by a District Officer for the purpose; or
(b) any other person.
(2) A person who seizes a dog by virtue of Subsection (1)(b) shall hand it over to a member of the Police Force, a District Officer or a person authorized by a District Officer under Subsection (1), to be dealt with in accordance with this Part.
(3) Written notice of the seizure of a dog under Subsection (1) shall, within 48 hours of the seizure–
(a) be given to; or
(b) be delivered or sent by post to the usual or last-known address of,
a person who is an owner of the dog by the person making the seizure, or where the dog is handed over to a member of the Police Force, a District Officer or a person authorized by a District Officer, by him.
(4) If, within 48 hours after the giving of notice under Subsection (3), or after the time at which it would be delivered in the ordinary course of post, the owner does not reclaim the dog and pay to the Registration Officer the prescribed fee, the dog may be sold by public auction or destroyed without cruelty by some speedy means, without liability in respect of the sale or destruction.
85. SEIZURE OF UNREGISTERED DOG FOUND WANDERING AT LARGE.
(2) If, within 48 hours after the seizure of a dog under Subsection (1), the dog is not claimed and the prescribed fee, together with twice the registration fee in the case of an unregistered dog, is not paid to the Registration Officer, the dog may be sold by public auction or destroyed without cruelty by some speedy means, without liability in respect of the sale or auction.
86. REGISTERED DOG NOT HAVING DISC.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K20.00.
(2) If an unregistered dog is found wearing a disc that purports to exhibit the registration number of the dog the owner of the dog is guilty of an offence.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K50.00 in addition to the penalty (if any) for not registering the dog to which he is liable under this Part.
87. FALSE DECLARATION.
(a) knowingly makes a false declaration in relation to the particulars contained in the description of a dog required by Section 79(4); or
(b) wilfully inserts in or omits from or wilfully causes or permits to be inserted in or omitted from the description any matter or thing contrary to or for the purpose of concealing the truth,
is guilty of an offence.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K50.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month.
88. REMOVING COLLAR.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K50.00.
Division 4.
Miscellaneous.
89. PROCEEDS OF SALE.
90. REGULATIONS FOR THE PURPOSES OF PART V.
PART VI. – PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.
91. INTERPRETATION OF PART VI.
“animal” means any vertebrate member of the animal kingdom, other than a human being;
“authorized officer” means an officer authorized under Section 93.
92. EXEMPTIONS.
(a) the extermination of vermin; or
(b) the extermination or destruction of an animal under the authority of a law; or
(c) the hunting, snaring, trapping, shooting or capturing of an animal not in a domestic state.
(2) The exemptions contained in Subsection (1) do not apply in a case that involves cruelty.
93. AUTHORIZED OFFICERS.
94. CRUEL ACTS.
(a) overriding, overdriving or overworking an animal;
(b) overloading an animal, or driving an animal when overloaded;
(c) riding, driving, employing or conveying an animal that is unfit for such treatment;
(d) illtreating, injuring, tormenting or torturing an animal;
(e) doing in circumstances that amount to cruelty any of the following acts:–
(i) beating, wounding, mutilating or killing an animal;
(ii) causing unnecessary pain to an animal.
(2) Where a dog that is on a public road, street or place rushes at or barks at–
(a) a person; or
(b) a vehicle or an animal in or on which a person is riding,
in such a manner as to cause danger or injury to the person, that person or any other person present may then and there kill or attempt to kill the dog without liability to any proceedings for or by reason of the killing or attempted killing.
(3) An act done without unnecessary cruelty by a medical officer or authorized officer specifically–
(a) for the advancement of medical or veterinary science; or
(b) to make a medical or veterinary diagnosis; or
(c) to prepare vaccines for treatment for the prevention of human and animal disease,
shall, for the purposes of this Part, be deemed not to involve cruelty.
95. PROHIBITION OF CRUELTY.
(a) does any act or avoids doing any act in relation to an animal, which act or avoidance involves cruelty to the animal; or
(b) uses, treats or handles an animal–
(i) at any time; or
(ii) in any place; or
(iii) in any manner; or
(iv) to any extent; or
(v) for any purpose; or
(vi) in any circumstances,
involving cruelty; or
(c) drives, conveys or carries in or on a vehicle or receptacle or by hand or in any other way an animal in such a position as to subject it to unnecessary pain; or
(d) kills an animal–
(i) in any manner; or
(ii) in any position; or
(iii) in any circumstances,
involving cruelty; or
(e) confines or impounds an animal–
(i) in such a manner; or
(ii) in such a position; or
(iii) in such circumstances,
as to subject it to unnecessary pain or suffering,
is guilty of an offence.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
96. BAITING, ETC., OF ANIMALS.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
97. CAPTIVE ANIMALS.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
98. NEGLECT OR ABANDONMENT OF ANIMALS.
(a) keeps it in a grossly dirty or verminous condition; or
(b) without reasonable cause or excuse, fails to procure or administer veterinary treatment or attention for it in case of disease, injury or delivery of young; or
(c) without reasonable cause or excuse, abandons it, whether permanently or not, in circumstances likely to cause it unnecessary suffering,
is guilty of an offence.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
99. RIGHT TO PROVIDE FOOD FOR CONFINED ANIMALS.
(a) is at any time impounded or confined in a yard, pen, cage, hutch, pound or similar receptacle; or
(b) is deprived of its liberty,
and continues impounded, confined or deprived of its liberty without proper and sufficient food and water for more than 24 consecutive hours or, in the case of a ruminant, for more than 18 hours, a person may enter the yard, pen, cage, hutch, pound or similar receptacle where the animal is and supply it with proper and sufficient food and water during so long as it remains so impounded, confined or deprived of its liberty.
(2) A person referred to in Subsection (1) is not liable to an action of trespass or other proceeding by any person for or by reason of an entry made under that subsection.
(3) The reasonable cost of the food and water supplied under Subsection (1) shall be paid by the owner of the animal to the person who has supplied the food and water, and the cost may be recovered as a debt in a District Court.
100. DESTRUCTION OF SUFFERING ANIMALS.
(2) Notice of the killing of an animal under Subsection (1) must be given to the nearest District Officer.
(3) The cost incurred in the destruction and disposal of the carcass of an animal referred to in Subsection (1) may be recovered by the person destroying or disposing of it from the owner of the animal as a debt in a District Court.
101. ARREST OF OFFENDERS.
(a) arrest, without warrant, a person committing or reasonably suspected of having committed an offence against this Part; and
(b) bring him before a court for the purpose of being dealt with according to law.
102. DETENTION OF ANIMAL OR VEHICLE AS SECURITY.
(a) any penalty to which the person may become liable; and
(b) any reasonable expenses that have been or are necessarily incurred for taking charge of and keeping the vehicle or animal.
(2) The court before whom the proceedings are heard may order that, in default of payment of the penalty and expenses referred to in Subsection (1), the vehicle or animal be sold for the purposes of satisfying the penalty and expenses in like manner as if the vehicle or animal had been subject to be and had been distrained for the payment of them.
103. PERMITTING CERTAIN OFFENCES.
Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
104. COMPENSATION.
(a) is not the owner of the animal concerned; and
(b) by the offence causes damage to an animal or to a person or property,
he shall, in addition to any penalty imposed, make compensation to the owner of the animal or to the person damaged.
(2) The court before whom the person is convicted shall, by the same or a subsequent order, determine and award the amount of compensation recoverable under Subsection (1).
PART VII. – MISCELLANEOUS.
105. REGULATIONS.
[1] Section 76 amended by No. 25 of 1976, Schedule 5.
[2] Section 77 amended by No. 25 of 1976, Schedule 5.
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