Section 28: Powers of entry, search, seizure and arrest

28. Powers of entry, search, seizure and arrest (1) Where a Magistrate is satisfied by information given on oath that there are reasonable grounds to believe than an offence under this Act in relation to wildlife has been, is being, or is about to be committed, the Magistrate may issue a warrant authorising an officer to enter any land or premises and to search for any wildlife subject matter of such offence. (2) Where a person is found hunting or carrying hunting equipment in contravention of this Act on any land, an officer may, for the purposes of this Act, enter the land without a warrant. W6 – 13 [Issue 1] Wildlife and National Parks Act (3) Where a police officer not below the rank of Inspector, or an officer designated by the Permanent Secretary, reasonably suspects that an offence is being committed or is about to be committed, and is satisfied that it is impracticable, for reasons of urgency, to seek a warrant from a Magistrate, he may, without a warrant— (a) enter and search any premises; (b) stop and search any vehicle; (c) seize any hunting equipment or other device used in contravention of this Act together with any vehicle used to assist in or facilitate such contravention; or (d) seize any wildlife obtained or possessed in contravention of this Act. (4) For the purposes of this Act, an officer may, at any time, enter— (a) any land adjacent to reserved land; or (b) any land which it is convenient to cross in order to reach any reserved land. (5) Any person who commits an offence under this Act in relation to wildlife may be arrested without warrant by the owner or occupier of the land on which the offence has been committed or by any person authorised by the owner or occupier or by an officer. (6) Any hunting equipment or device and any product of wildlife found in the possession of a person arrested under this section may be seized by the officer. (7) The officer may dispose, in such manner as may be approved by an authorised officer, of any product of a perishable nature seized under this section.