Theft of cattle an offence

(1) A person who commits theft of cattle shall be guilty of an offence and shall be sentenced, (a) on summary conviction, to a fine of not less than three thousand dollars and not exceeding five thousand dollars and to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not exceeding two years; (b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine of not less than five thousand dollars and not exceeding ten thousand dollars and to imprisonment for a term of not less than three years and not exceeding ten years. Possession of unstamped meat (2) If any carcass of bovine cattle which is not marked in accordance with the Regulations made under the Food and Drugs Act, Cap. 291, is kept at any premises or other place or vehicle for the purpose of sale, the owner, occupier or the person for the time being in charge of such premises or place or vehicle shall be deemed to be guilty of an offence of theft of cattle and shall be sentenced to the same penalties as prescribed in subsection (1) of this section, unless he proves that he is the lawful owner of such carcass. (3) It shall be within the discretion of the Director of Public Prosecutions whether an offence under this Act may be prosecuted summarily or on indictment.