Source: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2006/11/enacted
Timestamp: 2017-07-22 23:16:26
Document Index: 228315680

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art—\n36', 'art 2', 'art47', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2']

Skip to main contentSkip to navigationlegislation.gov.ukThe National ArchivesHelpSite MapAccessibilityContact UsCymraegHomeAbout UsBrowse LegislationNew LegislationChanges To LegislationSearch LegislationSearch LegislationTitle: (or keywords in the title)Year:Number:Type:All Legislation (excluding draft)All Primary Legislation UK Public General Acts UK Local Acts Acts of the Scottish Parliament Acts of the National Assembly for Wales Measures of the National Assembly for Wales Church Measures Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly Acts of the Old Scottish Parliament Acts of the English Parliament Acts of the Old Irish Parliament Acts of the Parliament of Great Britain Northern Ireland Orders in Council Measures of the Northern Ireland Assembly Acts of the Northern Ireland ParliamentAll Secondary Legislation UK Statutory Instruments Wales Statutory Instruments Scottish Statutory Instruments Northern Ireland Statutory Rules Church Instruments UK Ministerial Orders UK Statutory Rules and OrdersAll Draft Legislation UK Draft Statutory Instruments Scottish Draft Statutory Instruments Northern Ireland Draft Statutory RulesAll Impact Assessments UK Impact AssessmentsSearchAdvanced SearchAnimal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006You are here:2006 asp 11Whole ActTable of ContentsContentExplanatory NotesMore ResourcesPreviousNextPlain ViewPrint OptionsWhat VersionLatest available (Revised)Original (As enacted)Advanced FeaturesShow Explanatory Notes for Sections Opening OptionsOpen whole ActOpen Act without schedulesOpen Schedules onlyMore ResourcesOriginal Print PDFView moreStatus:This is the original version (as it was originally enacted).Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 20062006 asp 11The Bill for this Act of the Scottish Parliament was passed by the Parliament on 31st May 2006 and received Royal Assent on 11th July 2006An Act of the Scottish Parliament to amend the Animal Health Act 1981, including by making provision for preventing the spread of disease; to make provision for the welfare of animals, including for prevention of harm; and for connected purposes.Part 1Animal healthPowers of slaughter1Slaughter for preventing spread of disease(1)In the Animal Health Act 1981 (c. 22) (in this Part referred to as the “1981 Act”), after section 32D there is inserted—
Prevention of the spread of disease4Biosecurity codesAfter section 6B of the 1981 Act there is inserted—
5Tests and samplesAfter section 6D (inserted by section 4 of this Act) of the 1981 Act there is inserted—
“6ETests and samples: Scotland(1)An inspector may at any time enter any premises in Scotland for the purpose of ascertaining (any or all)—
(a)in relation to a disease, includes evidence of any form of reaction to the disease;
(b)in relation to a causative agent, includes—
(i)anti-bodies in reaction to the causative agent;
(ii)evidence of any other form of reaction to the causative agent;
6FSamples: further testing(1)Where a sample from any animal, bird or amphibian has been taken—
6Animal gatheringsAfter section 8 of the 1981 Act there is inserted—
“8AAnimal gatherings: Scotland(1)The Scottish Ministers may by order make provision for or in connection with the licensing (by them or by other persons on their behalf) of the holding of animal gatherings.
(2)An order under subsection (1) must be with a view to the prevention of the spread of disease.
(3)In this section, an “animal gathering” means an occasion at which animals or birds (or both) are brought together for any purpose.
(4)But, for the purposes of subsection (3), an occasion is not an animal gathering if—
(a)all the animals or birds involved are owned by the same person; or
(b)the occasion—
(i)takes place on land in respect of which more than one person has a right of use; and
(ii)involves animals or birds all of which are owned by persons who have a right of use of the land.
(5)An order under subsection (1) may, in particular, include provision as to—
(a)the procedure to be followed in relation to an application for a licence;
(b)any considerations to be taken into account in determining an application;
(c)the duration and renewal of a licence;
(d)conditions that must or may be imposed on granting or renewing a licence;
(e)circumstances in which a licence (or any of the conditions imposed in relation to the licence) must or may be revoked or suspended;
(f)requirements for notification of any granting, renewal, revocation, suspension or variation of a licence;
(g)appeals in connection with licences.
(6)An order under subsection (1) may, in particular, also include provision as to the inspection, for the purpose of ensuring compliance with any condition of a licence, of premises where animal gatherings may take, or are taking or have taken, place.
(7)Conditions under subsection (5)(d) may, in particular, relate to measures for the prevention of the spread of disease.
(8)A person who holds a licence in accordance with an order made under subsection (1) commits an offence if, without excuse (proof of which lies on the person), that person contravenes any condition of the licence.
(9)A statutory instrument containing an order under subsection (1) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Scottish Parliament.
(10)An order under subsection (1) may make different provision for different cases or classes of case.
(11)Before making an order under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers must consult—
(a)such persons appearing to them to represent relevant interests; and
(12)In this section, “premises” includes—
7Treatment(1)In section 16 (treatment after exposure to infection) of the 1981 Act—
(a)for the words “officer of the Minister” there is substituted “inspector”, and
(b)for the words from “land” to the end there is substituted “premises”.
8Seizure of carcases etc.After section 36 of the 1981 Act there is inserted—
“36ZASeizure of carcases etc.: further provision for Scotland(1)The Scottish Ministers may by order make provision for—
(a)the seizure of anything (whether animate or inanimate) which appears to them might be capable of carrying or transmitting any disease to which this subsection applies;
(b)the destruction, burial, disposal or treatment of anything seized under the order; and
(c)regulating the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b).
(2)Subsection (1) does not authorise provision for the seizure of a live animal, bird or amphibian; but an order under that subsection may provide for the seizure of carcases and of anything obtained from or produced by an animal, bird or amphibian.
(3)Subsection (1) applies to the diseases in the case of which any power of slaughter is exercisable under or by virtue of section 16B, Part 2B or Schedule 3A.
(4)A person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or excuse (proof of which lies on the person), that person throws or places, or causes or suffers to be thrown or placed, into—
(a)any river, stream, canal, navigation or other water; or
(b)the sea within 4.8 kilometres of the shore,
the carcase of, or anything obtained from or produced by, an animal, bird or amphibian which has been slaughtered in the exercise of any power conferred by or under section 16B, Part 2B or Schedule 3A.
(5)In this section, the references to an animal mean any kind of mammal (except man).
36ZBCompensation for seizure(1)The Scottish Ministers must pay compensation for anything seized under an order made under section 36ZA(1).
(b)regulating applications for, and the mode of payment of, any compensation payable by virtue of this section.”.
9Specified diseases(1)After section 28H (inserted by section 10 of this Act) of the 1981 Act there is inserted—
“28ISpecified diseases: Scotland(1)Schedule 2B to this Act has effect as to the specification of certain diseases of animals.
“SCHEDULE 2BSpecified diseases: Scotland(introduced by section 28I) African horse sickness
Deliberate infection of animals10Deliberate infection of animalsAfter section 28B of the 1981 Act there is inserted—
“28CDeliberate infection: Scotland(1)A person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or excuse (proof of which lies on the person), that person—
28DDeliberate infection: deprivation of entitlement to compensation(1)Where a person is convicted of an offence under section 28C, any provision of this Act by virtue of which compensation is payable to the person does not apply in respect of anything to which this subsection applies.
28EDeliberate infection: deprivation orders(1)Where a person is convicted of—
28FDeliberate infection: disqualification orders(1)Where a person is convicted of an offence under section 28C or subsection (16), the convicting court may make an order (in section 28E, this section and section 28G referred to as a “disqualification order”) disqualifying that person, for such period as it thinks fit, from one or more of the activities specified in subsection (2).
28GSeizure orders where disqualification breached(1)Where the court is satisfied that a person who is subject to a disqualification order owns or keeps any animal in breach of the order, the court may make an order (in this section and section 28H referred to as a “seizure order”) in respect of all animals which the person owns or keeps in breach of the disqualification order.
28HSuspension of orders pending appeal(1)The operation of any deprivation order or seizure order is suspended until—
Particular provision for TSE11Livestock genotypes: specification, breeding and slaughterAfter Part 2A of the 1981 Act there is inserted—
“Part 2BTSE: ScotlandLivestock genotypes36NPower to specify livestock genotypes and TSEs(1)Where the Scottish Ministers are satisfied that an animal of a particular livestock genotype has (or has had) a form of TSE, they may by order specify for the purposes of this Part—
36OAscertaining genotypes and identifying livestock(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations made by statutory instrument make provision requiring the keeper of any livestock—
36PRestrictions on breeding(1)This section applies where it appears to the Scottish Ministers that livestock is of a genotype specified in an order under section 36N.
36QReview(1)A person to whom a restriction notice is given may, within the period referred to in subsection (2)—
Enforcement36RScottish Ministers' powers of enforcement(1)This section applies if the Scottish Ministers are satisfied that a person has failed to comply with one or more of the restrictions or requirements imposed on that person by a restriction notice.
36SOffences(1)A person to whom a restriction notice is given commits an offence (whether or not the notice is the subject of a review under section 36Q) if that person—
Powers of slaughter36TPowers of slaughter: TSE(1)With a view to preventing the spread of any form of TSE, the Scottish Ministers may, if they think fit, cause any livestock to which this subsection applies to be slaughtered.
Powers of entry36UPowers of entry(1)An inspector may enter any premises in Scotland for the purpose of—
Compensation36VCompensation(1)The Scottish Ministers must pay compensation, of such amount as they may prescribe by order, in respect of—
General36WOrders and regulationsA statutory instrument containing an order or regulations under this Part is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Scottish Parliament.
36XInterpretationIn this Part—
(a)any creature, including a fish, which is kept, fattened or bred for the production of food, wool, skin or fur;
(ii)a tent or moveable structure;
Miscellaneous12Powers of entry etc.After section 62F of the 1981 Act there is inserted—
“62GPowers of entry etc.: Scotland(1)An inspector may enter any premises in Scotland for the purpose of—
(a)ascertaining whether a power of slaughter conferred by or under any provision mentioned in subsection (3) should be exercised; or
(b)doing anything in pursuance of or in connection with the exercise of such a power.
(2)A power of slaughter conferred by or under any provision mentioned in subsection (3) extends to the taking of any action for the purposes of or in connection with the exercise of the power.
(a)section 16B of;
(b)section 32 of;
(c)Schedule 3 to;
(d)Schedule 3A to,
(4)An inspector acting under subsection (1) must, if required, produce evidence of the inspector’s authority.
(5)Where any power of entry conferred on an inspector by this Act is exercised in relation to premises used exclusively as a dwelling-house, 24 hours' notice of the intended entry is to be given to the occupier unless the inspector thinks the case is one of urgency.
(6)Any power of entry conferred on an inspector by this Act must be exercised at a reasonable hour unless the inspector thinks the case is one of urgency.
(7)In this section and sections 62H and 62I, an “inspector” means—
(8)In this section and sections 62H and 62I, “premises” includes—
62HWarrants(1)A sheriff or justice of the peace may issue a warrant authorising an inspector to enter (if necessary using reasonable force) any premises in Scotland for the purpose mentioned in subsection (2), if satisfied by evidence on oath that—
(a)the first condition is satisfied; and
(b)either the second or the third condition is satisfied.
(2)The purpose is that of—
(a)ascertaining whether a function of the Scottish Ministers or inspectors under this Act should be exercised; or
(b)doing anything in pursuance of or in connection with the exercise of such a function.
(3)The evidence must include—
(4)The first condition is that there are reasonable grounds for an inspector to enter the premises for that purpose.
(5)The second condition is that each of the following applies—
(b)the occupier has failed to allow entry to the premises on being requested to do so by an inspector; and
(c)the occupier has been informed of the intention to apply for the warrant.
(a)the premises are unoccupied or the occupier appears to be absent and (in either case) notice of intention to apply for the warrant has been left in a conspicuous place on the premises; or
(b)the object of entering would be defeated if the occupier were requested to allow entry or informed of an intention to apply for a warrant.
(7)A warrant issued under this section must be executed at a reasonable hour unless the inspector thinks the case is one of urgency.
(8)A warrant issued under this section remains in force for one month starting with the date of its grant.
62IEntry and warrants: supplementary(1)This section applies to an inspector who enters any premises by virtue of a power conferred on the inspector by or under this Act or under a warrant under section 62H.
(2)The inspector may take on to the premises—
(a)such other persons as the inspector thinks necessary to give the inspector such assistance as the inspector thinks necessary;
(b)such equipment as the inspector thinks necessary.
(3)The inspector may require any person on the premises who falls within subsection (4) to give the inspector such assistance as the inspector may reasonably require.
(5)If the inspector enters any premises by virtue of a warrant issued under section 62H the inspector must at the time of entry—
(6)If the inspector enters any unoccupied premises the inspector must leave them as effectively secured against entry as the inspector found them.”.
13Inspection of vehiclesAfter section 65A of the 1981 Act there is inserted—
“65BInspection of vehicles: Scotland(1)If each of the conditions in subsection (2) is satisfied, an inspector may stop, detain and inspect any vehicle to ascertain whether the provisions of any of the following are being complied with—
(b)an order under this Act;
(c)a regulation of a local authority made in pursuance of such an order;
(d)regulations made by the Scottish Ministers under this Act.
(a)that the vehicle is in an infected place or area;
(3)In this section, a “vehicle” includes—
(a)a trailer, a semi-trailer or other thing which is designed or adapted to be towed by another vehicle;
14Penalties and time limitsFor section 75 (punishment of summary offences not otherwise provided for) of the 1981 Act there is substituted—
15Electronic communicationAfter section 83 of the 1981 Act there is inserted—
“83AElectronic communication: Scotland(1)Any requirement in the provisions mentioned in subsection (3) for something to be done in writing may be met by doing that thing as described in subsection (2).
(2)That is, by using a document—
(a)sections 3(2), 30(1), 36Q(1) and (6), 40(1)(b), 41(1)(b), 47, 60(9), 63(4) and 65(1) of, and paragraph 2(4) of Schedule 3 to, this Act;
(b)sections 17(3), 22(7)(a), 62G(5) and 81 (each as read with section 83(1)) of this Act.
(4)But subsection (1) applies in relation to section 17(3), 22(7)(a), 30(1), 36Q(1) or (6) or 62G(5) only if—
(a)the recipient has consented to receive electronic communication for the purpose; and
(b)transmission is to an email address provided by the recipient.
(5)For the purposes of sections 17(3), 22(7)(a), 30(1) and 36Q(1), a document transmitted under subsection (1) shall be taken to be received on the day after the day of its transmission.
(6)The Scottish Ministers may, for the purposes of this Act, by order make further provision for the purposes of or in connection with—
(a)using electronic communication (including the use of electronic signatures);
(b)using documents in electronic form.
(a)may make provision by amending this Act or otherwise;
(b)shall be made by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Scottish Parliament.
“electronic signature” is to be construed in accordance with section 7(2) of that Act.”.
Part 2Animal welfareIntroductory16Animals to which this Part applies(1)In this Part, “animal” means a vertebrate other than man.
(2)But this Part does not apply to an animal while it is in its foetal or embryonic form.
(a)make provision which—
(i)extends the definition of “animal” so as to include invertebrates of any description,
(ii)applies instead of subsection (2) as respects any invertebrate so included,
(b)amend subsection (2) so as to extend the application of such provisions of this Part as are specified in the regulations to an animal from such earlier stage of its development as is so specified.
(4)Regulations under subsection (3) may be made only if the Scottish Ministers are satisfied, on the basis of scientific evidence, that creatures of the kind concerned are capable of experiencing pain or suffering.
“vertebrate” means any creature of the Sub-phylum Vertebrata of the Phylum Chordata,
“invertebrate” means any creature not of that Sub-phylum.
17Protected animals(1)In this Part, an animal is a “protected animal” if it is—
(a)of a kind which is commonly domesticated in the British Islands,
(b)under the control of man on a permanent or temporary basis, or
(c)not living in a wild state.
(2)In subsection (1)(a), “British Islands” is to be construed in accordance with Schedule 1 to the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30).
18Responsibility for animals(1)In this Part, references to being responsible for an animal mean being responsible for it on a permanent or temporary basis.
(2)In this Part, references to being responsible for an animal include being in charge of it.
(3)For the purposes of this Part, a person who owns an animal is always to be regarded as being a person who is responsible for it.
(4)For the purposes of this Part, a person (“person A”) is to be regarded as responsible for any animal for which a person who is under 16 years of age, of whom person A has actual care and control, is responsible.
(5)For the purposes of this Part, a person does not relinquish responsibility for an animal by reason only of abandoning it.
Prevention of harm19Unnecessary suffering(1)A person commits an offence if—
(a)the person causes a protected animal unnecessary suffering by an act, and
(b)the person knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that the act would have caused the suffering or be likely to do so.
(2)A person who is responsible for an animal commits an offence if—
(a)the person causes the animal unnecessary suffering by an act or omission, and
(b)the person knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that the act or omission would have caused the suffering or be likely to do so.
(3)A person (“person A”) who is responsible for an animal commits an offence if—
(a)another person causes the animal unnecessary suffering by an act or omission, and
(4)The considerations to which regard is to be had in determining, for the purposes of subsections (1) to (3), whether suffering is unnecessary include—
(a)whether the suffering could reasonably have been avoided or reduced,
(b)whether the conduct concerned was in compliance with any relevant enactment or any relevant provisions of a licence or code of practice issued under an enactment,
(c)whether the conduct concerned was for a legitimate purpose, for example—
(ii)the purpose of protecting a person, property or another animal,
(d)whether the suffering was proportionate to the purpose of the conduct concerned,
(e)whether the conduct concerned was in the circumstances that of a reasonably competent and humane person.
(5)This section does not apply to the destruction of an animal in an appropriate and humane manner.
20Mutilation(1)A person commits an offence if the person—
(a)carries out a prohibited procedure on a protected animal, or
(b)causes a prohibited procedure to be carried out on a protected animal.
(a)another person carries out a prohibited procedure on the animal, and
(3)A person commits an offence if the person takes a protected animal, or causes a protected animal to be taken, from a place in Scotland for the purpose of having a prohibited procedure carried out on the animal at a place outwith Scotland.
(4)In this section, references to the carrying out of a prohibited procedure on an animal are to the carrying out of a procedure which involves interference with the sensitive tissues or bone structure of the animal.
(a)in relation to a procedure which is carried out for the purpose of medical treatment of an animal,
(b)in relation to a procedure which is carried out—
(i)for a purpose which,
(ii)in such manner as, and
(iii)in accordance with such conditions as,
the Scottish Ministers may by regulations specify, or
(c)in such circumstances as the Scottish Ministers may by regulations specify.
(6)Before making regulations under subsection (5), the Scottish Ministers must consult—
21Cruel operations(1)A person commits an offence if the person performs an operation on a protected animal without due care and humanity.
22Administration of poisons etc.(1)A person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, the person—
23Animal fights(1)A person commits an offence if the person—
(a)keeps or trains an animal for an animal fight, or
(b)possesses, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, any equipment which is designed or adapted for use at an animal fight.
(a)causes an animal fight to take place,
(b)arranges an animal fight,
(c)participates in making, or carrying out, arrangements for an animal fight (including allowing premises to be used for, or charging admission to attend, an animal fight),
(d)makes or accepts a bet on the outcome of an animal fight or on the likelihood of anything occurring (or not occurring) in the course of an animal fight, or
(e)takes part in an animal fight.
(3)A person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, the person is present at an animal fight.
(a)supplies a video recording of an animal fight,
(b)publishes a video recording of an animal fight,
(c)shows a video recording of an animal fight to another person, or
(d)possesses a video recording of an animal fight with the intention of supplying it to another person.
(5)Subsection (4) does not apply if the video recording is of an animal fight which took place—
(a)outwith Great Britain, or
(b)before the date on which this subsection comes into force.
(6)Subsection (4) does not apply—
(a)in relation to anything done—
(i)for the purpose of, or
(ii)by means of,
the inclusion of a video recording in a programme service,
(b)in relation to anything done for the purposes of or in connection with law enforcement (including for the education or training of persons involved in law enforcement), or
(c)in relation to anything done in the course of any other lawful activity in so far as the thing is done in the public interest or with a view to the public interest being served.
(a)the expression “programme service” has the same meaning as in the Communications Act 2003 (c. 21),
(b)the expression “video recording” means a recording, in any form, from which a moving image may by any means be reproduced (and includes data stored on a computer disc or by other electronic means which is capable of conversion into a moving image),
(c)references to supplying or publishing a video recording are to supplying or publishing a video recording in any manner (including, in relation to a video recording in the form of data recorded electronically, by means of transmitting such data),
(d)references to showing a video recording are to showing a moving image reproduced from a video recording by any means.
(8)Any reference in this Part to an animal in relation to which an offence was committed includes, in the case of an offence under this section, an animal involved in the animal fight concerned.
(9)In this section, an “animal fight” is an occasion on which a protected animal is placed with an animal, or with a human, for the purpose of fighting, wrestling or baiting.
Promotion of welfare24Ensuring welfare of animals(1)A person commits an offence if the person does not take such steps as are reasonable in the circumstances to ensure that the needs of an animal for which the person is responsible are met to the extent required by good practice.
Animals in distress32Taking possession of animals(1)An inspector or a constable may, if it appears that a protected animal is suffering—
(a)take, or
(b)arrange for the taking of,
such steps as appear to be immediately necessary to alleviate the animal’s suffering.
(2)However, subsection (1) does not authorise the destruction of a protected animal (for which section 35 makes provision).
(3)If a veterinary surgeon certifies that a protected animal is—
(a)suffering, or
(b)likely to suffer if its circumstances do not change,
an inspector or a constable may take possession of the animal.
(4)But an inspector or a constable may take that step, or arrange for the taking of that step, without the certification of a veterinary surgeon if—
(a)it appears that the animal is—
(i)suffering, or
(ii)likely to suffer if its circumstances do not change, and
(b)it is reasonable in the circumstances not to seek the assistance of, or wait for, a veterinary surgeon.
(5)Where possession is taken of an animal under subsection (3) or (4), an inspector or constable may also take possession of any dependent offspring of the animal.
(6)Where possession is taken of an animal under subsection (3), (4) or (5), an inspector or a constable may—
(a)remove the animal, or arrange for it to be removed, to a place of safety,
(b)care for the animal, or arrange for it to be cared for—
(i)at the place where it was found,
(ii)at such other place as the inspector or constable considers appropriate.
(7)An inspector or a constable may use (or arrange to have used) a mark, microchip or another method for identifying any animal so taken.
(8)An inspector or a constable may, in acting under subsection (6)(b)(i), make use of any equipment found at the place.
(9)A veterinary surgeon may examine, and take samples from, an animal for the purpose of determining its condition for the purposes of subsection (3).
(10)In considering, for the purposes of subsection (3) or (4), whether an animal is likely to suffer if its circumstances do not change, account may be taken of any suffering of other animals that are (or were recently) subject to similar circumstances at the same place.
(11)Any expenses reasonably incurred by an inspector or a constable in consequence of acting under this section are to be reimbursed by the owner or any other person responsible for the animal concerned.
(a)the ability of an inspector or a constable to take possession of an animal with the consent of its owner or of any other person who is responsible for it, and
(b)any other authority for taking possession of an animal.
33Release orders where animals taken(1)The court may order that any animal taken into possession under section 32 be given up to a person specified in the order.
(2)An order under subsection (1) may be made on summary application by—
(b)any other person appearing to the court to have a sufficient concern for the animal.
(3)A person is entitled to be heard in relation to an application for an order under subsection (1) if (despite not being the applicant) the person is—
(a)the owner of the animal,
(b)an inspector,
(c)a constable who—
(i)took the animal into possession under section 32,
(ii)is caring for, or has arranged for the care of, the animal under that section,
(i)with whom an arrangement for the care of the animal has been made under that section, and
(ii)who is authorised by the Scottish Ministers to be heard in relation to the application, or
(e)any other person appearing to the court to have a sufficient concern for the animal.
(4)In determining whether to make an order under subsection (1), the court must have regard to the desirability of—
34Disposal orders where animals taken(1)The court may, in relation to any animal taken into possession under section 32, order—
(a)that specified treatment be administered to the animal,
(b)that the animal be—
(i)destroyed,
(ii)sold, or
(iii)disposed of in another manner.
(2)An order under subsection (1) may include—
(a)provision appointing a person who is to secure that the order is carried out,
(b)such other provision as the court considers appropriate in connection with the order.
(3)Provision under subsection (2)(b) may, in particular, require reimbursement of any expenses reasonably incurred in carrying out the order.
(4)An order under subsection (1) may be made on summary application by—
(ii)who is authorised by the Scottish Ministers to make the application, or
(5)A person is entitled to be heard in relation to an application for an order under subsection (1) if (despite not being the applicant) the person is—
(a)a person mentioned in paragraph (a) to (c) or (e) of subsection (4), or
(i)with whom an arrangement for the care of the animal has been made under section 32, and
(ii)who is authorised by the Scottish Ministers to be heard in relation to the application.
(6)The court may not make an order under subsection (1) which involves the destruction of an animal unless it is satisfied, on evidence provided (orally or in writing) by a veterinary surgeon, that destruction would be in the interests of the animal.
(7)Before making an order under subsection (1), the court must give the owner of the animal an opportunity to make representations unless it is not practicable for it to do so.
(8)In determining whether or how to make an order under subsection (1), the court must have regard to the desirability of—
(9)If an owner of an animal is subject to any liability by virtue of—
(a)section 32(11),
any sum which the owner is due from any proceeds of sale of the animal under this section may be used to offset the liability.
35Resort to destruction of animals(1)If a veterinary surgeon certifies that the condition of a protected animal is such that it is appropriate that it be destroyed, an inspector or a constable may—
(a)destroy the animal where it is or take it elsewhere and destroy it there, or
(b)arrange for the taking of any of those steps.
(2)But an inspector or a constable may take, or arrange for the taking of, any of those steps without the certification of a veterinary surgeon if—
(a)it appears the condition of the animal is such that there is no reasonable alternative to destroying it, and
(3)A veterinary surgeon may examine, and take samples from, an animal for the purpose of determining its condition for the purposes of subsection (1).
(4)Any expenses reasonably incurred by an inspector or a constable in consequence of acting under this section are to be reimbursed by the owner or any other person responsible for the animal concerned.
Welfare bodies, codes and guidance36Animal welfare bodies(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations—
(a)establish a body with the function of providing advice to—
(ii)such other persons as the Scottish Ministers may direct,
on such matters concerning the welfare of protected animals as may be specified in the regulations,
(b)make such provision for the purposes of and in connection with the establishment and operation of the body as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate.
(2)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision for facilitating or improving co-ordination among bodies which have functions relating to the welfare of protected animals.
37Animal welfare codes(1)The Scottish Ministers may make codes of practice for the purpose of providing practical guidance in respect of any provision made by this Part or by regulations under this Part.
(2)Before making a code of practice under subsection (1) (in this section referred to as an “animal welfare code”), the Scottish Ministers must consult—
(3)An animal welfare code may—
(a)make different provision for different cases or class of case,
(b)revise a previous code.
(4)The Scottish Ministers may by notice revoke, with such transitional or saving provision as they consider to be necessary or expedient, any animal welfare code.
(5)The Scottish Ministers must, in such manner and to such extent as they consider appropriate, publicise any animal welfare code.
(6)An animal welfare code—
(a)requires to be laid before, and approved by resolution of, the Scottish Parliament, and
(7)A notice revoking an animal welfare code—
(a)requires to be laid before, and approved by resolution of, the Parliament, and
(b)revokes the code on such date after approval under paragraph (a) as is specified in the notice.
(8)A person’s failure to comply with a provision of an animal welfare code does not of itself render the person liable to proceedings of any sort.
(9)In any proceedings for an offence under this Part, or under regulations made under section 26 or 27—
(a)failure to comply with a relevant provision of an animal welfare code may be relied upon as tending to establish liability,
(b)compliance with a relevant provision of an animal welfare code may be relied upon as tending to negative liability.
38Animal welfare guidanceThe Scottish Ministers may, with a view to securing the welfare of protected animals, issue guidance on such matters as they consider appropriate.
Post-conviction orders39Deprivation orders(1)Where a person is convicted of a relevant offence, the convicting court may make an order (in this Part referred to as a “deprivation order”) in respect of any animal in relation to which the offence was committed.
40Disqualification orders(1)Where a person is convicted of a relevant offence, the convicting court may make an order (in this Part referred to as a “disqualification order”) which imposes on the person one or more of the disqualifications specified in subsection (2).
41Seizure orders where disqualification breached(1)Where the court is satisfied that a person who is subject to a disqualification order owns or keeps an animal in breach of the order, the court may make an order (in this Part referred to as a “seizure order”) in respect of all animals which the person owns or keeps in breach of the disqualification order.
42Termination or variation of disqualification(1)A person who is subject to a disqualification order may request the court which made the order to terminate or vary the order.
43Appeals against orders(1)Any deprivation order or disqualification order is, for the purposes of any appeal under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 46), to be treated as a sentence.
Offences and penalties44Proceedings for animal fighting offences(1)Proceedings for an offence under section 23 may be brought within the period of 6 months from the date on which evidence sufficient in the opinion of the prosecutor to justify the proceedings came to the prosecutor’s knowledge.
(2)But no such proceedings may be brought more than 3 years—
(3)In a prosecution of an offence involving a continuous contravention, the entire period during which the contravention occurred may be included.
(4)A certificate signed by or on behalf of the prosecutor which states the date on which evidence referred to in subsection (1) came to the prosecutor’s knowledge is conclusive evidence of that fact; and such a certificate which purports to be so signed is to be treated as being so signed unless the contrary is proved.
(5)For the purposes of this section, proceedings are deemed to be commenced on the date on which a warrant to apprehend or to cite the accused is granted provided that the warrant is executed without undue delay.
45Offences by bodies corporate etc.(1)Where an offence under this Part, or under regulations made under this Part, is committed by a body corporate and is committed with the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to the neglect of—
that person (as well as the body corporate) commits the offence.
(2)Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) applies to acts and omissions by members in exercising functions of management as if they were directors of the body corporate.
(3)Where an offence under this Part, or under regulations made under this Part, is committed by a Scottish partnership and is committed with the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to the neglect of a partner, that partner (as well as the partnership) commits the offence.
46Penalties for offences(1)A person who commits an offence under section 19 or 23 is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to a fine not exceeding £20,000 or to both.
Exclusions from application of this Part47ExclusionsThis Part does not apply—
(a)in relation to anything which occurs by virtue of, or in accordance with, a provision of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (c. 14),
(b)in relation to anything which occurs in the normal course of fishing.
Miscellaneous48SufferingIn this Part, references to suffering include physical or mental suffering.
49Vets, inspectors and constables(1)In this Part, “veterinary surgeon” means a person registered in the register of veterinary surgeons, or the supplementary veterinary register, kept under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (c. 36).
50Premises(1)In this Part, “premises” includes—
51Regulations(1)The powers of the Scottish Ministers to make regulations under this Part are exercisable by statutory instrument.
(2)And they include power to—
(a)make such incidental, supplemental, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision as the Scottish Ministers consider necessary or expedient for the purposes of or in connection with the regulations,
(b)make different provision for different purposes or for different cases or classes of case.
(3)But a statutory instrument containing regulations under this Part is not made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, the Scottish Parliament.
Part 3General52Modification of enactmentsSchedule 2 modifies enactments for the purposes of and in consequence of this Act.
SCHEDULE 1Powers of inspectors and constables for Part 2(introduced by section 49(7))Entry and inspection in connection with Community obligations1(1)An inspector may enter and inspect any premises for the purpose of ascertaining compliance with any regulations made under Part 2 which implement a Community obligation.
Entry and search where animals in distress2(1)A sheriff or justice of the peace may grant a warrant under this sub-paragraph if satisfied—
Entry and inspection in connection with offences3(1)An inspector may, if there are reasonable grounds for believing that an offence under Part 2 has been committed at premises, enter and inspect the premises for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not an offence under that Part has been committed there.
Entry and search etc. in connection with offences4(1)A sheriff or justice of the peace may grant a warrant under this sub-paragraph if satisfied—
Conditions for granting warrants5(1)This paragraph is complied with in relation to premises if either of the conditions specified in sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) is met.
Stopping and detaining vehicles etc.6(1)A constable in uniform may stop and detain a vehicle or vessel for the purpose of the exercise of a relevant power.
Entry and search etc.: supplementary7A warrant granted under a provision of this schedule remains in force for one month beginning with the date on which it was granted.
10A person exercising a relevant power must, if required, produce evidence of the person’s authority.11(1)A relevant power includes power to take onto premises—
13A person exercising a relevant power in relation to unoccupied premises must leave the premises as effectively secured against entry as the person found them.Offences of obstruction14(1)A person commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, the person contravenes paragraph 12(1).
Powers of constables: supplementary16A constable may arrest without warrant any person whom the constable reasonably believes is committing or has committed an offence under—
17The powers conferred on constables by this schedule are without prejudice to any powers conferred on constables by law apart from this schedule.Interpretation18In this schedule, a “relevant power” is a power—
SCHEDULE 2Modification of enactments(introduced by section 52)Animal health provisions1In section 8 (movement generally) of the Animal Health Act 1981 (c. 22)—
(a)in paragraph (e) of subsection (1), for the words “the holding of markets, fairs, exhibitions and sales of animals” there is substituted “animal gatherings”,
“(1A)In subsection (1)(e), “animal gatherings” has the same meaning as it has in section 8A.”.
2(1)In section 22 (powers of entry etc. for section 21) of that Act, subsection (5) is repealed.
3(1)In section 73(a) (general offences) of that Act, after the word “Minister,” there is inserted “or of regulations made by the Scottish Ministers under this Act,”.
(2)In section 79 (evidence and procedure) of that Act—
(a)in subsection (2), after the word “animal” in each place where it occurs there is inserted “, bird or amphibian”,
(c)in subsection (4), after the word “Minister” there is inserted “or regulations made by the Scottish Ministers under this Act”.
4In section 91 (orders etc.) of that Act, subsection (2) is repealed.Animal welfare provisions5The Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912 (c. 14), except—
(a)section 7 (poisoned grain and flesh etc.), and
(b)sections 13(a) to (d), 14 and 16 (general provisions),
6In the Docking and Nicking of Horses Act 1949 (c. 70), section 1 is repealed.7In the Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) Act 1954 (c. 46), in section 1 (use of anaesthetics in operations on animals)—(a)after subsection (1) there is inserted—
8(1)Part I of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 (c. 34), except—
9The whole of each of the following Acts is repealed—(a)the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912 Amendment Act 1921 (c. 22),
(b)the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925 (c. 38),
(c)the Protection of Animals Act 1934 (c. 21),
(d)the Pet Animals Act 1951 (c. 35),
(e)the Cockfighting Act 1952 (c. 59),
(f)the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954 (c. 40),
(g)the Abandonment of Animals Act 1960 (c. 43),
(h)the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 (c. 43),
(i)the Riding Establishments Act 1964 (c. 70),
(j)the Riding Establishments Act 1970 (c. 32),
(k)the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973 (c. 60),
(l)the Pet Animals Act 1951 (Amendment) Act 1983 (c. 26),
(m)the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1988 (c. 29),
(n)the Breeding of Dogs Act 1991 (c. 64),
(o)the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1993 (c. 15),
(p)the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999 (c. 11)