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DOMESTIC (FERAL AND NUISANCE) ANIMALS (AMENDMENT) BILL 2000

                 PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA

         Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals
                (Amendment) Act 2000
                                  Act No.


                        TABLE OF PROVISIONS
Clause                                                                   Page
  1.     Purposes                                                           1
  2.     Commencement                                                       2
  3.     Principal Act                                                      2
  4.     Amendment to definitions                                           2
  5.     Owners under the age of 17 years                                   4
  6.     Conditions on exemptions                                           4
  7.     New section 5A inserted                                            4
         5A.      Applicable organisations                                  4
  8.     Maximum registration fees                                          5
  9.     Amendment to section 20                                            6
  10.    Section 23 substituted                                             6
         23.      Dogs and cats on private property without permission      6
  11.    Penalty in respect of dogs found at large                          7
  12.    Places specified by the Council                                    7
  13.    Amendment to section 28                                            8
  14.    Dog attacks                                                        8
  15.    Amendment to section 34                                            8
  16.    New section 34A inserted                                           9
         34A. Dangerous dogs                                                9
  17.    Amendment to section 35                                            9
  18.    Amendment to section 37                                            9
  19.    Dangerous dog guarding non-residential premises                   10
  20.    New Division 3A inserted                                          11
         Division 3A--Particular provisions for the control of
         menacing dogs                                                     11
         41A.    Declaration that a dog is a menacing dog                  11
         41B.    Procedure for declaring a menacing dog                    12
         41C.    Council must give notice of a menacing dog declaration
                 to owner                                                  12
         41D.    Notification of Council in relation to menacing dog       12
         41E.    Restraint of menacing dogs                                13


  21.    New section 44A inserted                                          13



                                      i
541112B.A1-16/11/2000                              BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Clause Page 44A. Application of Division 13 22. Registration offence 14 23. Amendment to section 50 repealed 14 24. New section 50A inserted 14 50A. Application of Division 14 25. Section 53 repealed 14 26. New Division 3A inserted 14 Division 3A--Registration of Business conducted by Council 14 58. Revocation or suspension of Council animal shelter or pound 14 58A. Offence to conduct domestic animal business on unregistered premises 15 58B. Application for registration 15 58C. Registration of premises 15 58D. Term and renewal of registration 16 58E. Fees for registration and renewal of registration 16 58F. Surrender of registration 17 58G. Transfer of registration 17 58H. Powers of Minister 17 58I. Minister to give notice 18 58J. Minister to hear proprietor or applicant 18 58K. Notice of Minister's decision 18 27. New section 63A inserted 19 63A. Code of Practice offence 19 28. New sections 73 and 73A 19 73. Identity cards for authorised officers 19 73A. Offence to impersonate authorised officer 19 29. Amendment to section 74 19 30. New section 76A inserted 20 76A. Notice to comply 20 31. Amendments to section 77 20 32. New sections 77A, 77B and 77C inserted 20 77A. Warrants for search and seizure 20 77B. Announcement before entry 21 77C. Details of warrant to be given to occupier 22 33. Substitution of section 79 22 79. Recovery of animal 22 34. Impounding costs to be paid by guilty owner 24 35. Amendment to section 85 24 36. New section 86 substituted 24 86. Form of infringement notice 24 37. Review of decisions 25 38. Section 102 substituted 26 ii 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Clause Page 102. Saving provisions 26 39. Amendments to Schedule 27 ENDNOTES 28 iii 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA Initiated in Assembly 25 October 2000 As amended in Assembly 15 November 2000 A BILL to improve the administration and effectiveness of the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994 and for other purposes. Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 The Parliament of Victoria enacts as follows: 1. Purposes The main purposes of this Act are-- (a) to simplify the control of dogs and cats on private property without permission; 5 (b) to enable Councils to declare certain dogs to be menacing dogs; (c) to require the owners of menacing dogs to restrain their dogs adequately; 1 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 2 Act No. (d) to regulate domestic animal businesses conducted by Councils; (e) to allow authorised officers to search for and seize certain dogs under a search warrant. 5 2. Commencement (1) This Act (other than sections 4(a) and (b), 9, 19(2), 38 and 39) comes into operation on the day after the day on which it receives the Royal Assent. 10 (2) Sections 4(a) and (b), 9, 19(2), 38 and 39 come into operation on a day or days to be proclaimed. (3) If a provision referred to in sub-section (2) does not come into operation before 1 January 2002, it comes into operation on that day. See: 15 3. Principal Act Act No. 81/1994. In this Act, the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Reprint No. 1 Animals Act 1994 is called the Principal Act. as at 22 October 1998. LawToday: www.dms. dpc.vic. gov.au 4. Amendment to definitions In section 3(1) of the Principal Act-- 20 (a) for the definition of "applicable organisation" substitute-- ' "applicable organisation" means an organisation that is declared by the Minister under section 5A to be an 25 applicable organisation;'; 2 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 4 Act No. (b) for the definition of "dangerous dog" substitute-- ' "dangerous dog" means-- (a) a dog which has been declared to 5 be dangerous by a Council under Part 3; (b) a dog which by virtue of the operation of section 34A is a dangerous dog;'; 10 (c) in the definition of "domestic animal business" in paragraph (b)(i)(B) omit "or an organisation approved by the Council of the municipal district in which the enterprise is situated"; 15 (d) for the definition of "pet shop" substitute-- ' "pet shop" means a shop-- (a) situated in a permanent location; and (b) open not less than 5 days a week, 20 excluding a public holiday appointed under the Public Holidays Act 1993; and (c) where a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, mouse, reptile, caged bird or 25 any other similar animal of a class or kind prescribed by the regulations is offered for sale, sold or bought and sold;'; (e) insert the following definitions-- 30 ' "menacing dog" means a dog which has been declared to be a menacing dog by a Council under Part 3; 3 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 5 Act No. "rush at", in relation to a dog, means to approach a person to a distance of less than 3 metres in a menacing manner, displaying aggressive tendencies that 5 may include snarling, growling and raised hackles;'. 5. Owners under the age of 17 years In section 4 of the Principal Act, for "a minor" substitute "under the age of 17 years". 10 6. Conditions on exemptions At the end of section 5 of the Principal Act insert-- "(2) The Governor in Council may impose conditions on an exemption that the 15 Governor in Council considers to be appropriate in the circumstances.". 7. New section 5A inserted After section 5 of the Principal Act insert-- "5A. Applicable organisations 20 (1) The Minister may declare, by notice published in the Government Gazette, that an organisation is an applicable organisation if-- (a) the organisation has applied to the 25 Minister to be declared an applicable organisation; and (b) the Minister is satisfied that the organisation meets the criteria set out in the relevant guidelines; and 30 (c) the organisation does not represent owners of dogs of a breed whose importation into Australia is prohibited under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) 4 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 8 Act No. Regulations 1956 of the Commonwealth. (2) An application to be an applicable organisation must include-- 5 (a) a copy of the organisation's annual report of the preceding year; and (b) the organisation's code of ethics and details of how the code is enforced; and (c) the outcome of any disciplinary action 10 taken by the organisation for breaches of the ethics code during the preceding year; and (d) any other information required by the Minister.". 15 8. Maximum registration fees After section 15(6) of the Principal Act insert-- "(7) Despite sub-sections (1) to (6), the maximum fee for registration of dogs is payable in respect of-- 20 (a) a menacing dog; (b) a dog that is declared to be a dangerous dog after the commencement of section 8 of the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 25 2000; (c) a dog that is declared to be a dangerous dog under section 34(1)(a) before the commencement of section 8 of the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) 30 Animals (Amendment) Act 2000.". 5 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 9 Act No. 9. Amendment to section 20 In section 20(2)(d) of the Principal Act omit "or an organisation approved by the Council of the municipal district in which the fixture is being 5 conducted". 10. Section 23 substituted For section 23 of the Principal Act substitute-- '23. Dogs and cats on private property without permission 10 (1) If a dog or cat has been present on private property on more than one occasion without the permission of the owner or occupier of the property, the owner or occupier of private property or an authorised officer may 15 seize the dog or cat while it is present on the property. (2) The owner or occupier of the private property or the authorised officer who has seized a dog or cat under sub-section (1) 20 must immediately so notify the Council of the municipal district in which the property is situated. (3) If the Council is able to identify the owner of a dog or cat seized under sub-section (1), the 25 Council must, within 5 business days after the seizure of the dog or cat, serve on the owner of the dog or cat a notice of objection to the presence of that dog or cat on the private property. 30 (4) If, after a notice under sub-section (3) has been served, the dog or cat enters or remains on the private property, the owner of the dog or cat is guilty of an offence and liable, upon conviction, to a penalty of not more than 35 1 penalty unit for a first offence, and 6 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 11 Act No. 3 penalty units for a second or subsequent offence (5) A notice under sub-section (3) must be served either personally or by registered 5 post. (6) A copy of a notice under sub-section (3) must be given to the owner or occupier of the private property within 24 hours after the notice being served. 10 (7) In this section, "business day" means a day other than-- (a) a Saturday or Sunday; or (b) a public holiday appointed under the Public Holidays Act 1993.'. 15 11. Penalty in respect of dogs found at large In section 24 of the Principal Act-- (a) in sub-section (1) for "1 penalty unit for a first offence, or 3 penalty units for a second or subsequent offence" substitute "3 penalty 20 units". (b) in sub-section (2) for "3 penalty units for a first offence and 5 penalty units for a second or subsequent offence" substitute "5 penalty units". 25 12. Places specified by the Council (1) In section 26(2) of the Principal Act, in paragraphs (a) and (b) for "public area" substitute "public place". (2) After section 26(2) of the Principal Act insert-- 30 "(2A) If the Council proposes to make an order under this section in respect of a public place that is on private land, the Council must obtain the agreement of the owner or 7 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 13 Act No. occupier of the private property to the order before making the order.". (3) After section 26(4) of the Principal Act insert-- '(5) In this section, "public place" has the same 5 meaning as in section 3 of the Summary Offences Act 1966.'. 13. Amendment to section 28 In section 28 of the Principal Act for "worry" substitute "rush at". 10 14. Dog attacks (1) For section 29(1) of the Principal Act substitute-- "(1) If a dog attacks or bites any person or animal, the owner is guilty of an offence and 15 liable upon conviction to a penalty of not more than 5 penalty units. (1A) If a dog rushes at or chases any person, the owner is guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction to a penalty of not more than 20 4 penalty units.". (2) In section 29(2) of the Principal Act for "Sub- section (1) does not" substitute "Sub-sections (1) and (1A) do not". (3) In section 29(3) of the Principal Act after "sub- 25 section (1)" insert "or (1A)". (4) In section 29(4) of the Principal Act after "sub- section (1)" insert ", (1A)". 15. Amendment to section 34 In section 34(1) of the Principal Act-- 30 (a) in paragraph (a) for "biting, attacking, worrying, rushing at or chasing" substitute "biting or attacking"; 8 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 16 Act No. (b) for paragraph (b) substitute-- "(b) if the dog is a menacing dog and its owner has received at least 2 infringement notices in respect of the 5 offence in section 41E; or". 16. New section 34A inserted After section 34 of the Principal Act insert-- "34A. Dangerous dogs A dog is a dangerous dog if-- 10 (a) the dog is kept as a guard dog for the purpose of guarding non-residential premises; or (b) the dog has been trained to attack or bite any person or any thing when 15 attached to or worn by a person.". 17. Amendment to section 35 Section 35(1) of the Principal Act is repealed. 18. Amendment to section 37 For section 37(1) of the Principal Act 20 substitute-- "(1) Immediately upon becoming the owner of a dog that has been trained to attack or bite any person or any thing when attached to or worn by a person, the owner of the dog must 25 so notify the Council of the municipal district in which the dog is kept. Penalty: 5 penalty units. 9 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 19 Act No. (1A) Immediately upon a dog commencing training to attack or bite any person or any thing when attached to or worn by a person, the owner of the dog must notify the Council 5 of the municipal district in which the dog is kept that the dog is being so trained. Penalty: 5 penalty units. (1B) The owner of a dog kept as a guard dog for the purpose of guarding non-residential 10 premises must, within 24 hours of commencing to keep the dog for that purpose, notify the Council of the municipal district in which the dog is kept that the dog is being kept for that purpose. 15 Penalty: 5 penalty units. (1C) If a Council has advised the owner of a dog that the Council is investigating an alleged offence under section 29 of the Act in respect of that dog and if the custody or 20 ownership of the dog changes, the owner of the dog must notify the Council which registered the dog of the change within 24 hours after the change taking place. Penalty: 5 penalty units.". 25 19. Dangerous dog guarding non-residential premises (1) In section 38(3) of the Principal Act for "This section does not" substitute "Sub-sections (1) and (2) do not". (2) After section 38(3) of the Principal Act insert-- 30 "(4) The owner of a dangerous dog must ensure that if a dangerous dog is kept on non- residential premises, the dangerous dog is kept-- 10 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 20 Act No. (a) when it is guarding the premises, inside perimeter fencing that complies with the prescribed requirements; and (b) in any other case, in an enclosure that 5 complies with the prescribed structural requirements. Penalty: 5 penalty units.". 20. New Division 3A inserted After section 41 of the Principal Act insert-- 10 "Division 3A--Particular provisions for the control of menacing dogs 41A. Declaration that a dog is a menacing dog (1) A Council may declare a dog to be a menacing dog if-- 15 (a) the dog has rushed at or chased a person; or (b) the dog has been declared a menacing dog by another Council. (2) The Council must not make a declaration 20 under sub-section (1)(a) if the incident occurred because-- (a) the dog was being teased, abused or assaulted; or (b) the person was trespassing on the 25 premises on which the dog was kept; or (c) another person known to the dog was being attacked in front of the dog. (3) The Council may revoke any declaration made under sub-section (1). 11 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 20 Act No. (4) The Council may delegate its power under sub-section (1) to an authorised officer. (5) If the owner of a dog is convicted of an offence against section 29(1A), the court 5 may order the Council to declare the dog to be a menacing dog under sub-section (1). 41B. Procedure for declaring a menacing dog (1) If the Council proposes that a dog be declared a menacing dog, the Council 10 must-- (a) notify the owner; and (b) allow the owner the opportunity to make both written and oral submissions to the Council. 15 (2) The Council must consider any submissions submitted to it before making a declaration. 41C. Council must give notice of a menacing dog declaration to owner (1) If the Council has made a declaration that a 20 dog is a menacing dog, it must serve written notice on the owner of the dog that a declaration has been made. (2) The notice must-- (a) be served, either in person or by 25 registered post, within 7 days after the making of the declaration; and (b) give reasons for the making of the declaration. 41D. Notification of Council in relation to 30 menacing dog The owner of a menacing dog must notify the Council within 24 hours if-- 12 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 21 Act No. (a) the dog rushes at or chases a person; or (b) the dog is missing; or (c) the ownership of the dog changes. Penalty: 5 (a) For a first offence, 5 penalty units. (b) For a second offence or subsequent offence, 10 penalty units. 41E. Restraint of menacing dogs (1) A notice that a dog has been declared to be a 10 menacing dog may require the owner of the dog specified in the notice to cause the dog, when it is outside the premises of its owner in circumstances specified in the notice, to be-- 15 (a) muzzled in a manner which is sufficient to prevent it causing injury by biting; (b) under the effective control of some person by means of a chain, cord or leash. 20 (2) The owner of a dog who does not comply with a requirement under sub-section (1) is guilty of an offence and liable to a penalty of 4 penalty units.". 21. New section 44A inserted 25 Before section 45 of the Principal Act insert-- "44A. Application of Division This Division does not apply to a domestic animal business (other than an animal shelter or pound) conducted by a Council.". 13 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 22 Act No. 22. Registration offence After section 47(2) of the Principal Act insert-- "(3) If a premises has been registered for the purposes of a domestic animal business, the 5 person who conducts the business must comply with the terms, conditions, limitations or restrictions, if any, on that registration. Penalty: 10 penalty units.". 10 23. Amendment to section 50 repealed In section 50 of the Principal Act for "a domestic animal business" substitute "an animal shelter or pound". 24. New section 50A inserted 15 Before section 51 of the Principal Act insert-- "50A. Application of Division This Division does not apply to a domestic animal business (other than an animal shelter or pound) conducted by a Council.". 20 25. Section 53 repealed Section 53 of the Principal Act is repealed. 26. New Division 3A inserted For section 58 of the Principal Act substitute-- "Division 3A--Registration of Business 25 conducted by Council 58. Revocation or suspension of Council animal shelter or pound 14 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 26 Act No. (1) Subject to sub-section (2), the Minister may at any time suspend or revoke the registration of premises upon which a Council is conducting an animal shelter or 5 pound if the premises is in the municipal district of that Council. (2) The Minister must be satisfied that-- (a) the Council has failed to comply with the Act, the regulations, any Code of 10 Practice applying to the business, or any terms, conditions, limitations or restrictions on registration; or (b) the Council has been found guilty of an offence under the Prevention of 15 Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. 58A. Offence to conduct domestic animal business on unregistered premises A Council must not conduct a domestic animal business (other than an animal shelter 20 or pound), on a premises in the municipal district of the Council which is not registered for that purpose with the Minister. Penalty: 10 penalty units. 58B. Application for registration 25 (1) A Council may apply to the Minister to register a premises as a premises on which a domestic animal business (other than an animal shelter or pound) is conducted. (2) The application must be made in the form 30 approved by the Minister. 58C. Registration of premises (1) If a Council has applied to have a premises registered with the Minister as a premises on which a domestic animal business (other 15 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 26 Act No. than an animal shelter or pound) may be conducted, the Minister may register that premises for that purpose. (2) The Minister may impose any terms, 5 conditions, limitations or restrictions on that registration. (3) The Council must comply with the terms, conditions, limitation or restriction, if any, on that registration. 10 Penalty: 10 penalty units. 58D. Term and renewal of registration (1) A registration under this Division may be renewed annually and continues in force until 10 April in the year following the 15 registration or renewal or until a change in ownership of the business. (2) The Council may renew the registration of the premises on which that business is conducted by applying to the Minister in 20 writing in the form approved by the Minister no less than 30 days before the registration is due to expire. 58E. Fees for registration and renewal of registration 25 (1) A Council that has applied for registration or renewal of registration of premises on which a domestic animal business (other than an animal shelter or pound) is being conducted, must pay the prescribed fee with that 30 application. (2) The Minister may refund the whole or any part of a fee accompanying an application under this Division. 16 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 26 Act No. 58F. Surrender of registration The Council may surrender the registration of the premises on which a domestic animal business (other than an animal shelter or 5 pound) is conducted by notice to the Minister in writing. 58G. Transfer of registration (1) If the Council proposes to transfer the business to a new premises, the Council must 10 notify the Minister. (2) The notice must be-- (a) in writing in a form approved by the Minister; and (b) given to the Minister at least 30 days 15 before the transfer is made; and (c) accompanied by the prescribed fee. (3) If the Minister has received notice in writing of a transfer of premises under this section, he or she may register the new premises as a 20 premises upon which the business may be conducted and may impose any terms, conditions, limitations or restrictions on that registration. 58H. Powers of Minister 25 (1) The Minister may-- (a) refuse to register or to renew the registration of a premises; or (b) refuse to transfer registration to a new premises; or 17 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 26 Act No. (c) suspend the registration of a premises; or (d) revoke the registration of a premises. (2) The Minister may act under sub-section (1) 5 if he or she is satisfied that the Council-- (a) has failed to comply with the Act, the regulations, any Code of Practice applying to the business, or the terms, conditions, limitations or restrictions on 10 registration; or (b) has been found guilty of an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. 58I. Minister to give notice 15 If the Minister proposes to exercise his or her powers under section 58H, the Minister must give notice of that intention to the Council before acting under that section. 58J. Minister to hear proprietor or applicant 20 (1) Before acting under section 58H, the Minister must give the Council an opportunity to make both oral and written submissions to the Minister. (2) The Minister must take into consideration 25 any submissions made to the Minister. 58K. Notice of Minister's decision (1) The Minister must serve notice of his or her decision on the Council, either in person or by registered post, within 7 days after the 30 making of the decision. (2) The Minister must give reasons for his or her decision in the notice.". 18 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 27 Act No. 27. New section 63A inserted After section 63 of the Principal Act insert-- "63A. Code of Practice offence A person must not conduct a domestic 5 animal business that does not comply with the relevant Code of Practice made under section 59. Penalty: 10 penalty units.". 28. New sections 73 and 73A 10 For section 73 of the Principal Act substitute-- "73. Identity cards for authorised officers (1) The Minister or Council (as the case requires) must issue an identity card to each authorised officer. 15 (2) An identity card must contain a photograph of the authorised officer to whom it is issued. (3) An authorised officer must produce his or her identity card for inspection-- (a) before exercising a power under this 20 Part; and (b) at any time during the exercise of a power under this Part, if asked to do so. 73A. Offence to impersonate authorised officer A person who is not an authorised officer 25 must not, in any way hold himself or herself out to be an authorised officer. Penalty: 60 penalty units.". 29. Amendment to section 74 19 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 30 Act No. Section 74(4) of the Principal Act is repealed. 30. New section 76A inserted After section 76 of the Principal Act insert-- "76A. Notice to comply 5 An authorised officer may issue a person with a notice to comply if the authorised officer believes on reasonable grounds that the person has committed an offence under this Act.". 10 31. Amendments to section 77 (1) In section 77(1) and (2) of the Principal Act omit "kept". (2) In section 77(3) of the Principal Act after "any person" insert "or an authorised officer". 15 32. New sections 77A, 77B and 77C inserted After section 77 of the Principal Act insert-- "77A. Warrants for search and seizure (1) An authorised officer may apply to a magistrate for the issue of a search warrant 20 in relation to any premises, if the officer believes on reasonable grounds that a dog is present on the premises which the officer is entitled to seize under section 77(1)(b), (c) or (d). 25 (2) If the magistrate is satisfied, by the evidence, on oath or by affidavit, of the authorised officer that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the dog which the authorised officer is entitled to seize under section 30 77(1)(b), (c) or (d) is present on the premises, the magistrate may issue a search warrant, in accordance with the Magistrates' 20 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 32 Act No. Court Act 1989, authorising an authorised officer named in the warrant, together with any other person or persons named or otherwise identified in the warrant and with 5 any necessary equipment-- (a) to enter the premises specified in the warrant, if necessary by force; and (b) to search for the dog identified in the search warrant; and 10 (c) to seize that dog. (3) A search warrant issued under this section must state-- (a) the purpose for which the search is required; and 15 (b) any conditions to which the warrant is subject; and (c) that entry is authorised to be made at any reasonable time of the day; and (d) a day, not later than 28 days after the 20 issue of the warrant, on which the warrant ceases to have effect. (4) Except as provided by this Act, the rules to be observed with respect to search warrants under the Magistrates' Court Act 1989 25 extend and apply to warrants under this section. 77B. Announcement before entry (1) On executing a search warrant, the authorised officer executing the warrant-- 30 (a) must announce that he or she is authorised by the warrant to enter the premises; and 21 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 33 Act No. (b) if the authorised officer has been unable to obtain unforced entry, must give any person at the premises an opportunity to allow entry to the premises. 5 (2) An authorised officer need not comply with sub-section (1) if he or she believes, on reasonable grounds that immediate entry to the premises is required to ensure-- (a) the safety of any person; or 10 (b) that the effective execution of the search warrant is not frustrated. 77C. Details of warrant to be given to occupier (1) If the occupier is present at the premises where a search warrant is being executed, the 15 authorised officer must-- (a) identify himself or herself to the occupier; and (b) give to the occupier a copy of the warrant. 20 (2) If the occupier is not present at the premises where a search warrant is being executed, the authorised officer must-- (a) identify himself or herself to a person at the premises; and 25 (b) give to the person a copy of the warrant.". 33. Substitution of section 79 For section 79 of the Principal Act substitute-- "79. Recovery of animal 30 (1) A person may recover a dog or cat that has been seized under section 77(1)(a) or (2) if he or she-- 22 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 33 Act No. (a) applies to register the animal; and (b) pays the amount fixed by the Council within 8 days after the seizure of the animal; and 5 (c) proves to the satisfaction of the Council that he or she is the owner of the animal. (2) A person may recover a dog or cat that has been seized under section 23(1) or 77(3) if 10 he or she-- (a) where-- (i) the animal is held by the Council, pays the amount fixed by the Council within 8 days after the 15 seizure of the animal; or (ii) the animal is held by another person or body, pays the amount charged by that person or body within 8 days after the seizure of 20 the animal; and (b) proves to the satisfaction of the Council or the person or body holding the animal, as the case may be, that he or she is the owner of the animal; and 25 (c) proves to the satisfaction of the Council or the person or body holding the animal, as the case may be, that he or she has a current registration certificate in respect of the animal or he or she has 30 applied to register the animal.". 23 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 34 Act No. 34. Impounding costs to be paid by guilty owner (1) In section 80(1) of the Principal Act for "section 77(1)(a), (2) or (3)" substitute "section 23(1) or 77(1)(a), (2) or (3)". 5 (2) For section 80(4) of the Principal Act substitute-- "(4) If the owner of a dog seized under section 77(1)(c)(ii) or (d)(ii) is found guilty of the offence-- 10 (a) the Court may order the owner to pay to the Council the reasonable cost of the Council retaining custody of the dog until the outcome of the prosecution; and 15 (b) the Council may destroy the dog.". 35. Amendment to section 85 In section 85(1) of the Principal Act for "or 32" substitute "32, 41E or 63A". 36. New section 86 substituted 20 For section 86 of the Principal Act substitute-- "86. Form of infringement notice An infringement notice must state-- (a) the date of the notice; (b) the section that creates the alleged 25 offence; (c) the nature, and a brief description, of the alleged offence; (d) the date, time and place of the alleged offence; 30 (e) the infringement penalty for the alleged offence; 24 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 37 Act No. (f) the manner in which the infringement penalty may be paid; (g) the time (being not less than 28 days after the date on which the notice is 5 served) within which the infringement penalty must be paid; (h) that, if the amount of the infringement penalty is paid before the end of the time specified in the notice, the matter 10 will not be brought before the Magistrates' Court unless the notice is withdrawn within 28 days after the date on which it was served; (i) that the person is entitled to disregard 15 the notice and defend any proceedings in respect of the offences in the Magistrates' Court; (j) any other prescribed particulars.". 37. Review of decisions 20 (1) After section 98(1) of the Principal Act insert-- "(1A) A Council conducting a domestic animal business on a premises registered under Part 4 or a Council applying for registration of premises under Part 4 to conduct a domestic 25 animal business may apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for review of a decision by the Minister-- (a) to refuse to register or to renew the registration of a premises; or 30 (b) to refuse to transfer registration to a new premises; or (c) to suspend the registration of a premises; or 25 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 38 Act No. (d) to impose terms, conditions, limitations or restrictions on the registration of a premises; or (e) to revoke the registration of a 5 premises.". (2) For section 98(2)(a) of the Principal Act substitute-- "(a) to declare the dog to be dangerous under section 34; or 10 (aa) to declare the dog to be a menacing dog; or". 38. Section 102 substituted For section 102 of the Principal Act substitute-- '102. Saving provisions (1) The Victorian Canine Association and any 15 organisation approved by the Council for the purposes of the Schedule before the commencement of section 39 of the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 is deemed to be an 20 applicable organisation for the purposes of the Schedule. (2) The Feline Control Council, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy Australia and Victoria Incorporated, the Democratic Cat 25 Council Incorporated and any breed society approved by the Council before the commencement of section 39 of the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 is deemed to be an 30 applicable organisation for the purposes of the Schedule. (3) The bodies referred to in the definition of "applicable organisation" before the 26 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 s. 39 Act No. commencement of section 4(a) of the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 are deemed to be applicable organisations for the purposes of 5 the Act. (4) Any organisation approved by the Council for the purposes of the definition of "domestic animal business" before the commencement of section 4(b) of the 10 Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 is deemed to be an applicable organisation for the purposes of the definition of "domestic animal business" and section 20.'. 15 39. Amendments to Schedule (1) In the Schedule to the Principal Act under the heading "DOGS", in Column 2 for the expression commencing "Dogs registered with the Victorian Canine Association" and ending with "the 20 Council." substitute "Dogs registered with an applicable organisation, if their owners are members of the applicable organisation with which the dogs are registered.". (2) In the Schedule to the Principal Act under the 25 heading "CATS", in Column 2 after the expression commencing "Cats registered with the Feline Control Council" and ending with "the Council." substitute "Cats registered with an applicable organisation, if their owners are 30 members of the applicable organisation with which the cats are registered.". 27 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 Endnotes Act No. ENDNOTES By Authority. Government Printer for the State of Victoria. 28 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


 

Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 Act No. 29 541112B.A1-16/11/2000 BILL LA AS SENT 16/11/2000

 


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