The Mink Keeping (Scotland) Order 2003

Citation, commencement and extent

1.—(1) This Order may be cited as the Mink Keeping (Scotland) Order 2003 and shall come into force on 1st January 2004.

(2) This Order extends to Scotland only.

Duration

2.  This Order shall cease to have effect on 1st January 2009.

Interpretation

3.  In this Order–

(a) “the Act” means the Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932; and

(b) “mink” means the animal of the species Mustela vison.

Keeping of mink

4.—(1) The keeping of mink is prohibited absolutely–

(a) on any off-shore island of Scotland other than the Isle of Arran (including neighbouring Holy Island);

(b) in the Caithness area of the Highland Council; and

(c) in the Sutherland area of the Highland Council.

(2) The keeping of mink within the remainder of Scotland is prohibited, except under a licence granted under the Act.

Exceptions to application of the Act

5.  In the application of the Act in relation to mink, there shall be omitted section 5(2) and, in section 6(1), paragraph (f) and the reference to a penalty in the case of an offence under paragraph (f).

ROSS FINNIE

A member of the Scottish Executive

Pentland House, Edinburgh

5th November 2003