Animal Health Act 1981

8 Movement generally.E+W+S

(1)The Ministers may make such orders as they think fit—

(a)for prescribing and regulating [F1—

(i)in relation to England or Wales, the means of identifying animals, and

(ii)in relation to Scotland, the marking of animals,]

(b)for prohibiting or regulating the movement of animals, and the removal of carcases, fodder, litter, dung and other things, and for prescribing and regulating the isolation of animals newly purchased;

(c)for prescribing and regulating the issue and production of licences respecting movement and removal of animals and things;

(d)for prohibiting, absolutely or conditionally, the use, for the carrying of animals or for any connected purpose, of a vessel, aircraft, vehicle, or pen or other place in respect of which or the use of which a penalty has been recovered from any person for an offence against this Act;

(e)for prohibiting or regulating [F2the holding of markets, fairs, exhibitions and sales of animals] [F2animal gatherings].

[F3(1A)Provision made under subsection (1)(a) made by the Secretary of State or the Welsh Ministers may bind the Crown.]

[F4(1A) In subsection (1)(e), “ animal gatherings ” has the same meaning as it has in section 8A. ]

(2)A person is guilty of an offence against this Act if, where an order of the Minister absolutely or conditionally prohibits the use of a vessel, aircraft, vehicle or pen, or other place, for the carrying of animals or for any connected purpose, he, without lawful authority or excuse, proof of which shall lie on him, does anything so prohibited.

Textual Amendments

F1Words in s. 8(1)(a) substituted (11.11.2020 for specified purposes, 11.1.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Agriculture Act 2020 (c. 21), ss. 34(2)(a), 57(1)(b)(c)(6)

F3S. 8(1A) inserted (11.11.2020 for specified purposes, 11.1.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Agriculture Act 2020 (c. 21), ss. 34(2)(b), 57(1)(b)(c)(6)