Protection of Animals Kept For Farming Purposes Act, 1984

Evidence of certain examinations, tests and analyses and of their results.

10.—(1) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Act, there is produced a certificate which—

(a) purports to be signed by the State Chemist or the Assistant State Chemist or by a person (in this section subsequently referred to as an “appointed person”) appointed by the Minister to give certificates for the purposes of this Act, and

(b) states that the certificate is given for the purposes of this Act, and

(c) certifies—

(i) that an examination, test or analysis of a particular sample submitted by an inspector or an authorised person was carried out, and

(ii) the result of such examination, test or analysis,

then until the contrary is shown such certificate shall, without proof of the signature of the person purporting to sign it, or, in case the certificate purports to be signed by an appointed person, proof that at the time at which the certificate purports to have been given, such person stood appointed as an appointed person, be accepted by the court as sufficient evidence that such examination, test or analysis was carried out and of such result.

(2) (a) The Minister may by an instrument in writing appoint a person to issue certificates for the purposes of this Act.

(b) An appointment under this section shall remain in force until it is withdrawn by the Minister by an instrument in writing.

(3) In this section—

“the Assistant State Chemist” means the Assistant State Chemist of the State Laboratory;

“the State Chemist” means the head of the State Laboratory and includes any person authorised by him to make an examination, test or analysis or give a certificate for the purposes of this Act.