Singapore legislation
Section 44
Section 44
Orders by Magistrate when an offence has been committed
(1)
When any person has been convicted of an offence under this Part, the court may order —
that the animal in respect of which the offence was committed be taken to a veterinary centre or such other place as the court may specify and there detained and treated for any period stated in the order, or until released by further order of a Magistrate or until an authorised officer has certified in writing that it may properly be released;
that the animal be treated by an authorised officer or by a person licensed under section 53 to treat animals and not used during such period as may be stated in the order or until permission to use it has been given by a Magistrate or an authorised officer; or
if satisfied that the animal is incurably diseased or injured, that it be destroyed immediately by or under the direction of a police officer or an authorised officer and that the cost of burying or otherwise disposing of the carcase be borne by the person convicted.
(2)
Where the court makes an order under subsection (1)(a), the person who has been convicted of an offence in respect of the animal is liable to pay the costs and expenses for its maintenance and treatment until it is declared fit for release or use.
(3)
Without affecting subsection (1), where the owner of any animal is convicted of an offence under this Part, the court may, upon convicting the owner, if it thinks fit, in addition to any other punishment, deprive him or her of the ownership of the animal and make such order as to the disposal of the animal as the court thinks fit.
(4)
The court is not to make an order under subsection (3) unless it is satisfied by evidence as to a previous conviction, or as to the character of the owner or otherwise, that the animal, if left with the owner, is likely to be exposed to cruelty.
(5)
Any person who acts in contravention of the provisions of an order made under subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.