139. Disposal of mad and stray dogs and other animals.
(1)A local authority may,-(a)authorise any person-(i)to destroy, or cause to be destroyed, or confine, or cause to be confined for such period as the local authority may direct, any dog or other animal suffering or reasonably suspected to be suffering from rabies, or bitten by any dog or other animal suffering or suspected as aforesaid, or any dog or other animal dangerous to human safety, or any bird, animal or other vermin causing a nuisance;(ii)to confine, or cause to be confined any dogs found wandering about streets or public places without collars or other marks distinguishing them as private property and to charge a fee for such detention and to destroy or otherwise dispose of any such dog if it is not claimed within one week, and if the fee is not paid;(b)to issue a temporary or standing order that any dogs without collars or other marks distinguishing them as private property found straying on the streets or beyond the enclosure of the houses of the owners of such dogs should be destroyed and destroy or cause them to be destroyed accordingly :Provided that before issuing such order a notice to that effect shall be published in the prescribed manner.(2)No damage shall be payable in respect of any dog or other animal destroyed or otherwise disposed of under this section.(3)Allowing dog to be at large. - No person being the owner or person in charge of any dog shall allow it to be at large in any street without a muzzle,-(a)if such dog is likely to annoy or intimidate passers-by; or(b)if the local authority has by notice in the prescribed manner during the prevalence of rabies directed that dogs shall not be at large without muzzles.
