Protection of captive birdsN.I.
9.—(1) If any person keeps or confines any bird whatsoever in any cage or other receptacle which is not sufficient in height, length or breadth to permit the bird to stretch its wings freely, he shall be guilty of an offence F1. . . .
(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to poultry, or to the keeping or confining of any bird—
(a)while that bird is in the course of conveyance by whatever means; or
(b)while that bird is being shown for the purposes of any public exhibition or competition if the time during which the bird is kept or confined for those purposes does not in the aggregate exceed 72 hours; [F2or]
(c)while that bird is undergoing examination or treatment by a veterinary surgeon or veterinary practitioner; or
(d)while that bird is being kept temporarily in a birdbag or keeping cage as part of a ringing exercise carried out under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted under Article 18(2)(a).
(3) Every person who—
(a)promotes, arranges, conducts, assists in, receives money for, or takes part in, any event whatsoever at or in the course of which captive birds are liberated by hand or by any other means whatsoever—
(i)for the purpose of being shot, or
(ii)for the purpose of being hunted by trained birds of prey, immediately after their liberation; or
(b)being the owner or occupier of any land, permits that land to be used for the purposes of such an event,
shall be guilty of an offence F3. . . .
F1Words in art. 9(1) repealed (17.8.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 15), ss. 39(2), 40(1), Sch. 3 Pt. 1; S.R. 2011/285, art. 2, Sch.
F2Word in art. 9(2)(b) inserted (17.8.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 15), ss. 39(1), 40(1), Sch. 2 para. 9; S.R. 2011/285, art. 2, Sch.
F3Words in art. 9(3) repealed (17.8.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 15), ss. 39(2), 40(1), Sch. 3 Pt. 1; S.R. 2011/285, art. 2, Sch.