71C.— (1) Without prejudice to section 23(4), where an authorised officer seizes and detains a specified animal pursuant to section 38(4)(v), the Minister shall, as soon as practicable after the seizure and detention, apply to a judge of the District Court for an order authorising the Minister to dispose of the specified animal and the judge shall, unless there is good reason not to do so, grant the application.

(2) The Minister shall not make an application under subsection (1) unless he or she—

(a) has served a notice on the person who appeared to be in possession or control of the specified animal immediately prior to it being seized and detained, or

(b) if that person cannot be readily identified, placed or cause to be placed the notice on or near the land or premises from which the specified animal was seized and detained.

(3) An order made under subsection (1) shall be expressed and operate to authorise the Minister to dispose of the specified animal in a manner that he or she considers appropriate.]