Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972

29Interpretation.N.I.

(1)In this Act—

  • “animal” includes bird, fish and reptile;

  • “authorised officer” means an officer of the Ministry generally or specially authorised in writing by the Ministry for the purposes of this Act;

  • “domestic animal” means any animal which is tame or which has been or is being tamed;

  • “horse” means any member of the equine species;

  • “Minister” means the Minister of Agriculture;

  • “Ministry” means the Ministry of Agriculture;

  • “police officer” means a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary or of any Harbour Police;

  • “premises” includes land;

  • “statutory provision” has the meaning assigned to it by section 1( f) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 [1954 c.33] ;

  • “veterinary surgeon” has the meaning assigned to it by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 [1966 c.36] , and includes a veterinary practitioner within the meaning of that Act.

(2)A reference in this Act to any animal shall include a reference to the male, female and young of that animal.