Domestic Animals Act 2000

An authorised person may seize a dog if—

the dog is not registered under section 7; or

the dog is not implanted with an identifying microchip as required under this Act; or

the dog is in a prohibited area in contravention of section 41 (Prohibited areas); or

the dog is not restrained in contravention of section 44 (1), (2) or (3) (Dogs in public places must be controlled) or section 45 (1) or (3) (Dogs on private premises to be restrained); or

the dog is on premises occupied by a person other than the keeper of the dog and the occupier asks an authorised person to seize the dog; or

a court has ordered that the dog be destroyed under section 50 (5) (a) (Dog attacks person or animal causing serious injury); or

the court has ordered the dog be destroyed under section 50A (4) (Dangerous dog attacks or harasses person or animal); or

the keeper or carer fails to give an authorised person the person’s name and address if required by the authorised person under section 134.

Also, an authorised person may seize a dog if—

the registrar refuses to register the dog under section 7 (1) (b); or

the dog’s registration is cancelled under section 13 (1) (c) or (2) (b); or

the keeper has not complied with a control order issued to the keeper or carer in relation to the dog; or

the keeper breeds a litter from the dog without a breeding licence; or

the dog is at least 6 months old and not de-sexed and the keeper does not hold a permit under part 3 for the dog; or

the authorised person reasonably believes that—

the keeper or carer of the dog is not demonstrating responsible dog management, care or control in relation to the dog; or

the safety of the public or other animals are at risk because of the keeper or carer’s actions.

If subsection (2) (d) applies, the authorised person may seize the parent dogs and pups.