Animal Welfare Act 1993

An officer or veterinary surgeon may kill an animal if – in their opinion the animal is injured or diseased or is otherwise suffering; and they reasonably believe that the injury, disease or other suffering will cause the animal continued and excessive pain and suffering.

If a justice is satisfied that it is necessary to do so, the justice may authorize, in writing, any person to kill a specified animal in the circumstances referred to in subsection (1).

Any person who kills an animal under subsection (1) or (2) – is to make available the carcass of the animal to the owner, if the owner requests, within 48 hours of killing the animal to take possession of the carcass; or may dispose of the carcass if there is no such request.