Further provisions for confiscation

Further provisions for confiscation. When there is reason to believe that an offence under this Act has been committed, but the offender is not known or cannot be found and when any thing or animal liable to confiscation under this Act and not in the possession of any person cannot be satisfactorily accounted for, the case shall be inquired into and determined by the Collector, who may order confiscation: Provided that no such order shall be made until the expiration of one month from the date of seizing the thing or animal in question or without hearing the person (if any) claiming any right thereto; and the evidence (if any) which he produces in support of the claim: Provided further, that if the thing in question is liable to speedy and natural decay, or if the Collector is of opinion that the sale of the thing of animal in question would be for the benefit of its owner, the Collector may at any time direct it to be sold; and the provisions of this section shall, so far as may be, apply to the net proceeds of such sale.