Section 5: Power of entry and search

5. Power of entry and search (1) Where an authorised officer has reasonable ground to suspect that an offence under this Act has been, is being or is about to be committed against an animal on any land or premises, he may, subject to subsection (2), enter the land or premises in order to — (a) inspect the animal kept on the land or premises and view the condition in which the animal is being kept; and (b) impound or seize the animal. (2) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), an authorised officer shall not enter a dwelling house unless — (i) he shows the owner or occupier of the land or premises a warrant issued by a Magistrate; and (ii) he is accompanied by a police officer. (b) Paragraph (a) shall not apply where an authorised officer has reasonable ground to believe that the life or health of an animal is at risk. (c) A District Magistrate may, on being satisfied on an information on oath that entry and search into a dwelling house are necessary to enable an authorised officer to exercise his powers under this Act, issue a warrant authorising the authorised officer to enter and search the dwelling house. (d) A warrant issued under paragraph (c) shall be valid for the period stated in the warrant and be subject to such conditions as the District Magistrate may specify. (3) An authorised officer who enters any land or premises for the purposes of this section may be accompanied by such person as he considers necessary. [Issue 6] A17A – 6 Revised Laws of Mauritius