Section 307 - Taking charge of animal

(1) Where a person in charge of an animal has committed, or is reasonably suspected of having committed, a criminal offence under section 303 or against a by-law made by a local authority with respect to the control, management and treatment of animals, a police officer, or a person or class of persons authorised in that behalf by the Minister, may take charge of the animal for the purpose of the examination of the animal.

(2) Where there is a criminal proceeding as a result of subsection (1), the animal shall be deposited in a place of a safe custody until the termination of the proceeding or until the Court directs the animal to be delivered to the person in charge of the animal or to the owner.

(3) In the event of a conviction in respect of the animal, the Court may order that the cost of the examination and detention, including the cost of veterinary treatment, shall be paid by the owner, and the cost may be recovered as a fine.