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Animal Health Act 1981

Type Public General Act
Publication 1981-06-11
Last updated 2026-03-07
State In force
Department Statute Law Database
Source legislation.gov.uk
articles Not indexed
Reform history JSON API
  • (c) he has been informed of the decision to apply for the warrant.
  • (5) The third condition is that—
  • (a) the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is 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) an application for admission to the premises or the giving of notice of intention to apply for the warrant would defeat the object of entering the premises.
  • (6) A warrant issued under this section remains in force for one month starting with the date of its approval by the justice of the peace, which date shall be clearly visible on the warrant.
  • (7) A warrant issued under this section must be executed only at a reasonable hour unless the inspector thinks that the case is one of urgency.
  • (8) In relation to any premises to which entry is obtained by virtue of a warrant under this section the Secretary of State must retain for a period of not less than 12 months beginning with the day after entry—
  • (a) a copy of the warrant;
  • (b) a copy of any record of the steps taken to effect entry to the premises and the actions taken on the premises by the inspector and any other person entering the premises with him.
62F
  • (1) This section applies to a veterinary inspector who enters any premises by virtue of section 62D or under a warrant issued under section 62E.
  • (2) The inspector may take with him—
  • (a) such other persons as he thinks necessary to give him such assistance as he thinks necessary;
  • (b) such equipment as he thinks necessary.
  • (3) The inspector may take such samples (including samples from any animal on the premises) and carry out such tests as he thinks are necessary for the purpose mentioned in section 62D(1).
  • (4) The inspector may require any person on the premises who falls within subsection (5) to give him such assistance as he may reasonably require for the purpose mentioned in section 62D(1).
  • (5) The following persons fall within this subsection—
  • (a) the occupier of the premises;
  • (b) a person appearing to the inspector to have charge of animals on the premises;
  • (c) a person appearing to the inspector to be under the direction or control of a person mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b).
  • (6) If the inspector enters any unoccupied premises he must leave them as effectively secured against entry as he found them.
  • (7) If the inspector enters any premises by virtue of a warrant issued under section 62E he must at the time of entry—
  • (a) serve a copy of the warrant on the occupier of the premises, or (if the occupier is not on the premises)
  • (b) leave a copy of the warrant in a conspicuous place on the premises.
  • (8) A person commits an offence if—
  • (a) he is required to give assistance under subsection (4), and
  • (b) he fails to give it.
64A

In addition to the powers conferred by sections 63 and 64, an inspector (on producing, if required to do so, some duly authenticated document showing his authority) may at all reasonable hours—

  • (a) enter—
  • (i) any land, building, or other place, or
  • (ii) any vessel, boat, aircraft, hovercraft or vehicle of any other description,

for the purpose of ascertaining whether any assimilated law within an order made under this Act has been or is being complied with, and

  • (b) carry out such inspections (including inspection of documents) as may be necessary for that purpose.
65A
  • (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—
  • (a) this Act;
  • (b) an order made under this Act;
  • (c) a regulation of a local authority made in pursuance of such an order.
  • (2) The conditions are—
  • (a) that the vehicle is in a designated area in a designated period;
  • (b) that the inspector is accompanied by a constable in uniform.
  • (3) In subsection (2) “ designated ” means designated by an order made by the Secretary of State.
  • (4) A vehicle includes—
  • (a) a trailer, semi-trailer or other thing which is designed or adapted to be towed by another vehicle;
  • (b) anything on a vehicle;
  • (c) a detachable part of a vehicle;
  • (d) a container or other structure designed or adapted to be carried by or on a vehicle.
66A
  • (1) A person commits an offence if without lawful authority or excuse (proof of which shall lie on him) he—
  • (a) refuses admission to any premises to a person acting under section 62A above,
  • (b) obstructs or impedes him in so acting, or
  • (c) assists in any such obstruction or impeding.
  • (2) A person commits an offence if—
  • (a) he is required to give assistance under section 62C(3), and
  • (b) he fails to give it.
71A
  • (1) Despite anything in section 127(1) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 an information relating to an offence under this Act which is triable by a magistrates’ court in England and Wales may be so tried if it is laid at any time—
  • (a) within the period of three years starting with the date of the commission of the offence, and
  • (b) within the period of six months starting with the day on which evidence which the prosecutor thinks is sufficient to justify the proceedings comes to his knowledge.
  • (2) A certificate by the prosecutor as to the date on which such evidence came to his knowledge is conclusive evidence of that fact.
4A

The premises at which animals and other things are to be kept in quarantine in pursuance of the order and the welfare of the animals kept in such premises.

SCHEDULE 2A

Agriculture Act I967

In section 16(3), the words—

Editorial notes

1

Act (except s. 57(1)): Functions transferred (27.12.1999) by S.I. 1999/3141, arts. 2(1), 3, Sch. (with s. 2(5))

2

Act: Certain functions transferred (W.) (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/672, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

3

Act extended by Animal Health and Welfare Act 1984 (c. 40, SIF 2:8), s. 3 Act extended (1.4.1997) by S.I. 1997/757, art. 13 Act extended (1.4.1997) by S.I. 1997/758, art. 22 Act extended (15.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/882, reg. 9(3)-(5) Act extended (E.) (1.9.2000) by S.I. 2000/2055, art. 22 Act extended (E.) (1.9.2000) by S.I. 2000/2056, art. 13 Act extended (E.) (11.2.2002) (temp. until 1.12.2002) by S.I. 2002/242, arts. 1, 12

6

S. 4(2): Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 289E (in relation to liability on first and subsequent convictions), 289F (increase of fines) and 289G (substitution of references to levels on the standard scale apply) (S.)

7

S. 4(2): Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 35 (in relation to liability on first and subsequent convictions), 38 (increase of fines) and 46 (substitution of references to levels on the standard scale) apply (E.W.)

9

Words inserted by S.I. 1990/2371, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

11

Words inserted by S.I. 1990/2371, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

12

Words in s. 10(7) substituted (2.8.1993) by S.I. 1993/3237, arts. 1, 8(1), Sch. 5 Pt. 1 para.2.

13

S. 10A inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 17; S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

14

S. 13(3)(4) inserted (14.2.1992 for certain purposes and 1.4.1992 in so far as not already in force) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 151(1); S.I. 1992/266, arts.2, 3.

15

S. 14B inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 15; S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

16

This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only

17

Words in s. 16(2) substituted (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 12(1); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

18

Words in s. 16(2) omitted (14.1.2003) by virtue of 2002 c. 42, s. 12(1); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

19

S. 16(3)-(17) inserted (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 12(1); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

20

This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only

21

S. 16A inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 5; S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

27

Ss. 28A, 28B inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 12(1); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

28

Ss. 28A, 28B inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 12(1); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

29

S. 32 applied (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/3159, art. 2(1) (as amended (S.) (28.6.2014) by The Specified Diseases (Notification and Slaughter) (Amendment) and Compensation (Scotland) Order 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/151), arts. 1(1), 2 S. 32 applied (24.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/3183, art. 10(1) S. 32 applied (1.4.1997) by S.I. 1997/757, art. 11 S. 32 applied (1.4.1997) by S.I. 1997/758, art. 18 S. 32 applied (E.) (1.9.2000) by S.I. 2000/2055, art. 18 S. 32 applied (E.) (1.9.2000) by S.I. 2000/2056, art. 11

30

S. 32A inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 2(1); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

31

Ss. 32B, 32C inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 3; S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

32

Ss. 32B, 32C inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 3; S.I. 2002/3044, art.2

33

S. 32D inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 4; S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

34

Words substituted by virtue of S.I. 1981/1670, arts. 2(1)(a)(2), 3(5)

35

This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only

39

Words in s. 35(2)(a) substituted (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 2(2)(a); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

40

Words in s. 35(2)(a) inserted (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 2(2)(b); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

41

This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only

49

Words appearing second substituted (E.W.) for words appearing first by London Regional Transport Act 1984 (c. 32, SIF 126), s. 71(3)(a), Sch. 6 para. 23(a)

50

Words inserted (E.W.) as provided by London Regional Transport Act 1984 (c. 32, SIF 126), s. 71(3)(a), Sch. 6 para. 23(b)

51

Words in s. 50(1) inserted (14.2.1992 for certain purposes and 1.4.1992 in so far as not already in force) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 151(2); S.I. 1992/266, arts. 2, 3.

52

S. 50(2)(b)(c) substituted for para. (b) by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 2, 16, Sch. 8 para. 18

53

S. 50(2)(bb) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6), Sch. 16 para. 61; S.I. 1996/393, art. 4, Sch. 2

54

Words in s. 50(3) substituted (S.)(1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 122; S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(c)

59

This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only.

60

This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only.

61

Words in s. 60(1) inserted (14.2.1992 for certain purposes and 1.4.1992 in so far as not already in force) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 151(3); S.I. 1992/266, art. 2, 3

62

Words inserted by S.I. 1990/2371, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

63

Ss. 62A-62C inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 8(1); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

64

Ss. 62A-62C inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 8(1); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

65

Ss. 62A-62C inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 8(1); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

66

Ss. 62D-62F inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 9; S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

67

Ss. 62D-62F inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, art. 9; S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

68

Ss. 62D-62F inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 9; S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

72

S. 64A added (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/3293, reg.2

73

Words in s. 65(3) substituted (1.1.1996) by 1995 c. 21, ss. 314(2), 316(2), Sch. 13 para. 58(b)(i)

74

Words in s. 65(4)(a) substituted (1.1.1996) by 1995 c. 21, ss. 314(2), 316(2), Sch. 13 para. 58(b)(ii)

75

S. 65A inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 10; S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

76

S. 66A inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 8(2); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

78

S. 71A inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 14; S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

79

Words inserted by S.I. 1990/2371, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

80

S. 75 substituted (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 13; S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

81

This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only

82

This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only

83

S. 76(3) applied by S.I. 1986/2265, arts. 11, 12

84

S. 76(4) repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt.XIV.

86

Words in s. 86(2) repealed (27.3.2002) by S.I. 2002/794, art. 5(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 6)

87

S. 87(1) extended by S.I. 1989/285, art. 2(a)

88

S. 87(1) extended by S.I. 1991/1155, art. 2(1) S. 87(1): definition of “animals” extended (W.) (21.7.2001) by S.I. 2001/2662, art. 1(3)(a)

89

S. 87(1) extended for certain purposes (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/3303, art. 2(a)

90

S. 87(1) extended for certain purposes (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/3304, art. 2(a)

91

Definition of “animal” extended for certain purposes (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/3159, art. 2(2) Definition of “animal” extended (23.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3141, art. 1(2)(a) Definition of “animal” extended (1.8.1996) by S.I. 1996/2007, art. 3(a) Definition of “animal”extended (21.10.1996) by S.I. 1996/2628, arts. 3(1)(a), 4(1)(a) Definition of “animal” extended (24.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/3183, art. 3(a) Definition of “animal” extended (23.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3249, art. 1(2)(a) Definition of “animal” extended (1.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/646, art. 2(a)

92

S. 87(2) extended (W.) (11.2.2002) (temp. until 1.12.2002) by S.I. 2002/280, arts. 1, 14 S. 87(2) extended (W.) (11.2.2002) (temp. until 1.12.2002) by S.I. 1995/11, art. 20 (as inserted by S.I. 2002/281, arts. 1, 2(1)(10)) S. 87(2) extended (E.) (11.2.2002) (temp. until 1.12.2002) by S.I. 2002/242, arts. 1, 14

93

S. 87(4) extended by S.I. 1989/285, art. 2(b)

94

S. 87(4) extended for certain purposes (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/3303, art. 2(b)

95

S. 87(4) extended for certain purposes (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/3304, art. 2(b) S. 87(4): definition of “poultry” extended (W.) (21.7.2001) by S.I. 2001/2662, art. 1(3)(b) Definition of “poultry” extended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3141, art. 2(1)(a) Definition of “poultry” extended (23.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3249, art. 1(2)(b) Definition of “poultry” extended (1.8.1996) by S.I. 1996/2007, art. 3(b) Definition of “poultry” extended (21.10.1996) by S.I. 1996/2628, art. 4(1)(b) Definition of “poultry” extended (21.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/3183, art. 3(b) Definition of “poultry”extended (1.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/646, art. 2(b)

97

S. 88(1): extended by S.I. 1991/1155, art. 2(b) S. 88(1): definition of “disease” extended (W.) (21.7.2001) by S.I. 2001/2662, art. 1(3)(c) Definition of “disease” extended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3141, art. 2(b) S. 88(3) restricted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3141, art. 2(b) Definition of “disease” extended (1.8.1995) by 1995/1755, art. 2 Definition of “disease” extended (1.8.1996) by 1996/2007, art. 2 Definition of “disease” extended (21.10.1996) by 1996/2628, arts. 3(1)(b), 4(1)(c), Sch. 1 Pt. I Definition of “disease” extended (24.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/3183, art. 2 Definition of “disease” extended (1.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/646, art. 2(c)

98

S. 88(3): definition of “disease” extended (W.) (21.7.2001) by S.I. 2001/2662, art. 1(3)(d)

103

Words in s. 92(2) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 40, ss. 5, 7(2), Sch. 4 para. 35

116

The text of s. 96 and Schedule 6 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

120

Sch. 1 para. 6: Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 35 (in relation to liability on first and subsequent convictions) applies (E.W.)

121

Sch. 1 para. 6: Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), s. 289E (as inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 54 (in relation to liability on first and subsequent convictions), applies (S.)

123

Sch. 2 para. 4A inserted (21.7.1998) by 1998 c. 13, ss. 1, 2(2)

124

Sch. 2A inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 12(2); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

125

Word omitted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by virtue of 2002 c. 42, s. 1(2); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

126

Sch. 3 para. 3(1)(c) inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 1(2)(c); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

127

Sch. 3 para. 3(1A) inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 1(3); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2

129

Sch. 5 para. 2 repealed (E.W.) by Food Act 1984 (c. 30, SIF 53:1), Sch. 11

130

1955 c. 16. (4 & 5 Eliz. 2.)

141

The text of Schedule 5 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and, except as specified, does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

142

The text of s. 96 and Schedule 6 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

143

S. 88(1) definition extended (W.) (19.2.2003) by Bluetongue (Wales) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/326), arts. 1(1), 3 (with art. 4)

144

S. 32 applied (W.) (19.2.2003) by Bluetongue (Wales) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/326), arts. 1(1), 13 (with art. 4)

145

Act modified (W.) (19.2.2003) by Bluetongue (Wales) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/326), art. 14 (with art. 4)

146

S. 88(1) definition extended (S.) (19.2.2003) by Bluetongue (Scotland) Order 2003 (S.S.I. 2003/91), arts. 1(1), 3

147

S. 32 applied (S.) (19.2.2003) by Bluetongue (Scotland) Order 2003 (S.S.I. 2003/91), arts. 1(1), 13

148

S. 88(1) definition extended (E.) (19.2.2003) by Bluetongue Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/130), arts. 1(1), 3

149

S. 32 applied (E.) (19.2.2003) by Bluetongue Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/130), arts. 1(1), 13

154

S. 14A inserted (E.W.) (24.3.2003) by Animal Health Act 2002 (c. 42), ss. 18, 19(1); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2(c)

155

S. 87(4) definition extended (W.) (12.4.2003) by Diseases of Poultry (Wales) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1079), arts. 1(1), 2(1)

156

S. 88(3) definition extended (W.) (12.4.2003) by Diseases of Poultry (Wales) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1079), arts. 1(1), 2(2)

157

S. 87(4) definition extended (E.) (30.4.2003) by Diseases of Poultry (England) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1078), arts. 1(1), 2(1)

158

S. 88(3) definition extended (E.) (30.4.2003) by Diseases of Poultry (England) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1078), arts. 1(1), 2(2)

163

S. 6A - S. 6B inserted (E.W.) (1.7.2003) by Animal Health Act 2002 (c. 42), ss. 16, 19(1); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2(b)

165

Word in Sch. 3 para. 5(1)(a) deleted (E.W.) (11.7.2003) by Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease (England and Wales) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1734), arts. 1, 4(2)

180

S. 88(1) definition extended (S.) (28.11.2003) by African Swine Fever (Scotland) Order 2003 (S.S.I. 2003/586), arts. 1(1), 2(3)

181

Words in s. 77 repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), Sch. 1 Pt. 17 Group 1

182

S. 94(1) repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), Sch. 1 Pt. 17 Group 1

183

Sch. 5 para. 4 repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), Sch. 1 Pt. 17 Group 1

186

S. 88(1) definition extended (S.) (23.9.2005) by Tuberculosis (Scotland) Order 2005 (S.S.I. 2005/434), arts. 1(1), 4

211

S. 69 applied (E.) (28.10.2005 at 12.00 p.m.) by Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2989), regs. 1, 10(2)

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