Domestic Animals Act 1994

The proprietor of a place where a dog or cat is being boarded has a lien over that animal for any amount the proprietor is entitled to under subsection (2).

The holder of a lien under subsection (1) may retain that animal until—

any sums owing to him or her have been paid in full; and

any additional expenses incurred by him or her in caring for the animal have been paid.

Despite this section, the owner of an animal which has been left in the possession of another person without the owner's consent may recover that animal.

A lien under this section continues to exist even though the lien holder allows the animal to be taken temporarily out of his or her custody or possession.

A person must not—

remove an animal from a person who holds a lien over that animal; or

retain custody or possession of an animal over which a lien is held—