IMPOUNDING ACT 1993 - SECT 13
Action to be taken when identity of owner known
IMPOUNDING ACT 1993 - SECT 13
Action to be taken when identity of owner known
13 Action to be taken when identity of owner known
(1) An occupier of private land who impounds an animal and knows or can easily
find out the owner's identity must inform the owner of the animal's
whereabouts within 24 hours of impounding the animal and must then either--
(a) immediately have the animal delivered to the nearest convenient public
pound, or
(b) keep the animal on the land for a period of not more than 4
days and then (if the animal has not been claimed by its owner) have the
animal delivered to the nearest convenient public pound.
(2) The occupier
must ensure that any animal kept on the land after it is impounded--
(a) is
provided with adequate food, water and veterinary care, and
(b) is kept in a
place that is well drained and maintained in a clean condition, and
(c) is
provided with adequate shade for the climatic conditions, and
(d) is kept
secure, and
(e) is separated from other animals that are diseased or, if the
animal is or appears to be diseased, is kept separate from other animals.
(3)
If the owner of the animal claims the animal, the occupier must do one of the
following--
(4) If the occupier releases or sends the animal to
its owner without the appropriate charge having been paid in full and the
owner does not within 7 days pay the occupier the appropriate charge in full
and any costs of transporting the animal to its owner, the occupier may
recover the charge and costs from the owner as a debt.
(5) The
"appropriate charge" is an amount not exceeding--
(a) the expenses actually
incurred in providing the animal with food, water and veterinary care, and
(b) the cost of rectifying any loss or damage attributable to the trespassing
of the animal.
(6) An occupier of private land who fails to comply with a
requirement of this section is guilty of an offence.