Clause 22

by deleting paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and substituting the following paragraph:“(a)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;”;

by inserting, immediately after the words “authorised officer” in the 1st line of subsection (1)(b), the words “or by a person licensed under section 68 to treat animals”; and

by deleting subsection (2) and substituting the following subsections:“(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 shall be liable to pay the costs and expenses for its maintenance and treatment until it is declared fit for release or use.(2A) Without prejudice to subsection (1), where the owner of any animal is convicted of an offence under section 43, the court may, upon convicting him, if it thinks fit, in addition to any other punishment, deprive him of the ownership of the animal and make such order as to the disposal of the animal as the court thinks fit.(2B) The court shall not make an order under subsection (2A) 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.”.