311. Post-mortem and clinical examinations on animals. [§12, Act V, 1861].
(a)When an animal has died or has been injured and the commission of a cognizable offence is suspected, a Magistrate or a police officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector or an Assistant Sub-Inspector if he is an officer-in-charge of a police station, is authorised to require a veterinary assistant, where such an officer is available, to perform a postmortem or clinical examination. When the circumstances of the case require it, the veterinary assistant will also superintend the removal and despatch to the Chemical Examiner of the viscera of the animal, and the expenditure incurred on that account shall be met by the Magistrate out of his contingent grant. (Vide rule 64 of the Bengal Veterinary Manual.)Note. - Regarding the fees payable to veterinary assistants for such examinations, which are payable by the Magistrate, see rule 65 of the Bengal Veterinary Manual.(b)In places where there is no veterinary assistant, or when that officer is absent on tour or otherwise not available, the Civil Surgeon shall perform the post-mortem examination and shall, when necessary, superintend the removal and despatch of the viscera to the Chemical Examiner.
