31 (1) An animal welfare inspector may remove an animal from the place where it is and take possession of the animal for the purpose of providing it with necessaries to relieve its distress if, Note: On January 1, 2024, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 31 (1) of the Act is amended by striking out “for the purpose of providing it with necessaries to relieve its distress” in the portion before clause (a) and substituting “for the purpose of relieving its distress”. (See: 2023, c. 12, Sched. 6, s. 5 (1)) (a)  a veterinarian has advised the inspector in writing that relieving the animal’s distress necessitates its removal; (b)  the inspector has inspected the animal and has reasonable grounds for believing that the animal is in distress and the owner or custodian of the animal is not present and cannot be found promptly; or Note: On January 1, 2024, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause 31 (1) (b) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2023, c. 12, Sched. 6, s. 5 (3)) (b)  the inspector has inspected the animal and has reasonable grounds for believing that, (i)  the animal is in distress and the owner or custodian of the animal is not present and cannot be found promptly, or (ii)  the animal is in critical distress; or (c)  an order respecting the animal has been made under section 30 and the order has not been complied with. 2019, c. 13, s. 31 (1); 2023, c. 12, Sched. 6, s. 5 (2). Taking possession, animal trained to or participating in fight (2) An animal welfare inspector may remove an animal from the place where it is and take possession of the animal if the inspector has reasonable grounds for believing that, (a)  the animal is being trained to fight another animal; or (b)  the animal is participating or soon will participate in a meeting, competition, exhibition, pastime, display or event at or in the course of which an animal fights another animal. 2019, c. 13, s. 31 (2). Police assistance (3) An animal welfare inspector may call upon police officers for assistance in removing the animal. 2019, c. 13, s. 31 (3). Use of force (4) An animal welfare inspector, and any police officers called to assist the inspector, may use whatever force is reasonably necessary to remove the animal. 2019, c. 13, s. 31 (4). Notice (5) An animal welfare inspector who has removed an animal under subsection (1) or (2) shall promptly serve written notice of his or her action on the owner or custodian of the animal, if known, and on the Chief Animal Welfare Inspector. 2019, c. 13, s. 31 (5); 2023, c. 12, Sched. 6, s. 5 (4). Decision to keep in care (6) The Chief Animal Welfare Inspector may decide to keep an animal that was removed under subsection (1) or (2) in the Chief Animal Welfare Inspector’s care if, (a)  the Chief Animal Welfare Inspector determines it is necessary to relieve the animal’s distress; or (b)  the Chief Animal Welfare Inspector has reasonable grounds to believe that, (i)  the animal may be placed in distress if returned to its owner or custodian, or (ii)  the animal may be trained to fight another animal if returned to its owner or custodian. 2019, c. 13, s. 31 (6). Notice (7) The Chief Animal Welfare Inspector shall promptly serve written notice of his or her decision to keep an animal in the Chief Animal Welfare Inspector’s care in accordance with subsection (6) on the owner or custodian of the animal, if known. 2019, c. 13, s. 31 (7); 2023, c. 12, Sched. 6, s. 5 (5). Provisions to be printed on notice (8) A notice to an owner or custodian of an animal required by this section shall have printed or written on it the content of subsections 38 (1), (2), (4) and (5). 2019, c. 13, s. 31 (8); 2023, c. 12, Sched. 6, s. 5 (6). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2023, c. 12, Sched. 6, s. 5 (1, 3) - 01/01/2024; 2023, c. 12, Sched. 6, s. 5 (2, 4, 5) - 08/06/2023; 2023, c. 12, Sched. 6, s. 5 (6) - 01/10/2023