Question to the Minister for Local Government:

1. What are the rights and responsibilities of an ‘approved premises’ that has taken in a seized or surrendered animal under the Companion Animals Act 1998?
2. If a companion animal’s owner is unable to be contacted by the holder of a seized or surrendered animal, what steps should the holder take to comply with the law?
3. Under what circumstances can someone other than an approved officer seize an animal under the Companion Animals Act 1998?
4. What are the criteria for a ‘practicable’ alternative to euthanizing animals that have been held by a council pound for the requisite period?
5. What protections exist for an owner who, due to extenuating circumstances, is unable to claim a held animal from a council pound within the period?