Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011

Interpretation

56.—(1) In this Act—

“animal” has the meaning given by section 1(1);

“council” means a district council;

“the Department” means the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development;

“premises” includes any place and, in particular, includes—

(a)

any vehicle, vessel, aircraft or hovercraft;

(b)

any tent or movable structure;

“protected animal” has the meaning given by section 2;

“statutory provision” has the meaning given by section 1(f) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 (c. 33);

“suffering” means physical or mental suffering;

“veterinary surgeon” means a person who is for the time being registered in the register of veterinary surgeons.

(2) In this Act, references to the occupier of premises, in relation to any vehicle, vessel, aircraft or hovercraft, are to the person who appears to be in charge of the vehicle, vessel, aircraft or hovercraft, and “unoccupied” shall be construed accordingly.

(3) In this Act, references to a part of premises which is used as a private dwelling include any yard, garden, garage or outhouse which is used for purposes in connection with it.

(4) In this Act, references to responsibility, in relation to an animal, are to be read in accordance with section 3.

(5) In this Act, references to the needs of an animal are to be read in accordance with section 9(2).

(6) In this Act, references to a “relevant post-conviction power” are to a power conferred by—

(a) section 32, 33, 34, 36, 39 or 41; or

(b) Article 10(2) of the Dangerous Wild Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 (NI 16) (power to cancel licence under Order and disqualify from carrying on licensable activity).