Tristan Jubb who has been undertaking the recent Euthanasia courses has provided teh following information regarding the current law related to animal euthanasia. Please note that these will be replaced with new laws once the Livestock Management Act comes into place.

Kerrie, Below is extract from Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 re powers of saleyard superintendents. I have attached a copy of POCTA for reference.

Mark, This may be worth circulating to members.

24D Emergency powers of veterinary practitioners and

superintendents of saleyards

(1) A veterinary practitioner may, with any assistance

that is necessary, destroy any animal—

(a) that is behaving in such a manner and there

are such circumstances that the veterinary

practitioner reasonably believes that the

animal is likely to cause death or serious

injury to any person or another animal; or

(b) that is abandoned, distressed or disabled if

the veterinary practitioner reasonably

believes that the animal’s condition is such

that it would continue to suffer if it remained

alive.

(2) A superintendent of a saleyard may, with any

assistance that is necessary, destroy any animal in

any saleyard in the municipal district in respect of

which the superintendent is appointed—

(a) that is behaving in such a manner and there

are such circumstances that the

superintendent reasonably believes that the

animal is likely to cause death or serious

injury to any person or another animal; or

(b) that is abandoned, distressed or disabled if

the superintendent reasonably believes that

the animal’s condition is such that it would

continue to suffer if it remained alive.

(3) In this section, superintendent of a saleyard

means the person in charge of a livestock

saleyard.

24ZS Offences as to veterinary practitioners etc.

(1) A person must not assault, obstruct, hinder,

threaten, abuse, insult, intimidate or attempt to

obstruct or intimidate a veterinary practitioner or

superintendent of a saleyard (within the meaning

of section 24D) in the discharge of that

practitioner’s or superintendent’s powers under

this Part.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(2) A person must not contravene or fail to comply

with any direction or requirement of a veterinary

practitioner or superintendent of a saleyard

(within the meaning of section 24D) who is acting

in the discharge of that practitioner’s or

superintendent’s powers under this Part.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.