Definitions

(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise require: (a) 'animal' means any animal of species naturally susceptible to rabies except man: (b) 'authority' means the Sikkim Licensing and Registering Authority constituted under this Act: (c) 'authorised officer' means an officer appointed by the Department to issue licence under this Act or to carry out any function under this Act as required: (d) 'department' means the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services: (e) 'dog' means an animal belonging to the species (Mammals) Canis familiaris of the order of mammals Carnivora: (f) 'exposure to rabies' means a person or animal that has been scratched or licked by or having been bitten or in contact with saliva of a dog or other animal suspected of being affected with rabies: (g) 'infected area' means an area which is declared to be an infected area for the purpose connected with the control and treatment not notified by the Department: (h) 'licence' means licence granted under this Act and includes any permit approval or other form of authorisation: (i) 'local authority' means local authorities of the public authorised by the Department for the Gram Panchayat/local urban body of the area concerned: (j) 'notification' means a notification published in the Official Gazette: (k) 'owner' means every person who is the sole or part owner of any animal and includes any person who is in charge of an animal and the occupier of the premises on which any animal is found shall be deemed to be the owner of the animals until the contrary is proved: (l) 'prescribed' means prescribed by rules made under this Act: (m) 'State Government' means the government of Sikkim: (n) 'stray dog' means any dog not kept in compliance with the regulation of rabies control: (o) 'vaccination' means the administration of an approved anti-rabies vaccine to an animal: (p) 'veterinary hospital' means an institution or centre by whatever name called where such animals are admitted for treatment: (q) 'veterinary officer' means a registered Veterinary Practitioner appointed by the Government to receive information/cases and carcass affected or suspected of being affected with specific disease in the area in which the animal or carcass exists.