Animal Welfare Act 1993

In any proceedings under this Act in respect of an animal or on the application of an officer, a magistrate may make an order in respect of one or more of the following:that the animal be removed from the person who has care or charge of the animal; that the animal be placed in the care of, or returned to, another person specified in the order; that the animal – be sold, and any proceeds of the sale be distributed in accordance with section 46; or be otherwise disposed of; any other order, or direction, in respect of the animal that the magistrate considers appropriate in the circumstances.

A magistrate may only make an order under subsection (1) in respect of an animal if the magistrate is satisfied that, without the order, the welfare of the animal is at risk.