23.— (1) Where after the veterinary examination of a greyhound, it is the opinion of a welfare officer that the greyhound is in such pain or distress or state of acute neglect or so severely injured or diseased that it would be in the interests of the welfare of the greyhound, or the safety, health or welfare of other animals or persons it might come into contact with, to have it receive immediate veterinary treatment or be humanely destroyed, the welfare officer may seize and detain the greyhound for either such purpose.

(2) The cost of any veterinary treatment or destruction of a greyhound under this section may be recovered from the owner of the greyhound as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction.