Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 - SECT 24C

Obtaining veterinary treatment

24C. Obtaining veterinary treatment



(1) If a POCTA inspector reasonably believes that treatment by a veterinary
practitioner is necessary for the welfare of an animal, subject to subsection
(2), the inspector may arrange for a veterinary practitioner to treat the
animal.

(2) If a POCTA inspector has formed a belief under subsection (1) that an
animal requires treatment by a veterinary practitioner and the owner or person
in charge of the animal can be contacted, after reasonable enquiry, the
inspector must, before arranging veterinary treatment under subsection (1),
give the owner or person an opportunity to arrange for a veterinary
practitioner of his or her choice to undertake the required treatment.

(3) The inspector may recover the costs of veterinary treatment of an animal
arranged under subsection (1) from the owner or the person in charge of the
animal treated in a court of competent jurisdiction as a civil debt
recoverable summarily.