Destruction of rats, mice etc

(1) The occupier of every premises, or if the premises are unoccupied, the owner thereof shall take such steps as may be reasonably practicable for the destruction of rats, mice and other animals susceptible to plague infesting such premises. (2) Where the Health Officer is of opinion that the occupier or owner of any premises has failed to fulfil the obligation laid on him by sub-section (1), he may either— (a) serve a notice on such occupier or owner, requiring him to take such steps and within such time as may be specified in the notice; or (b) enter upon such premises and take such steps as may be necessary for the purpose of destroying the rats, mice and other animals susceptible to plague infesting the same, after giving not less than twenty-four hours previous notice to such occupier or owner. (3) Any expenses incurred under clause (b) of sub-section (2) may be recovered by the local authority concerned from the occupier or owner, as the case may be, as if it were a tax due from him to the local authority.