A local authority inspector will usually use powers under Section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in order to inspect a licensable premise. An inspector or constable can apply for a warrant under Section 23 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to be issued by a justice of the peace to enter any parts of the premises on reasonable grounds. The justice will only issue a warrant if there are reasonable grounds for:
suspecting that a relevant offence has been committed on the premises
believing evidence of an offence can be found there
checking that section 52 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 is satisfied in relation to the premises
Animal Welfare Act 2006 considerations sections 22 to 29
Reasonable force can be used if necessary, to search for evidence of a relevant offence.