Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986

25 Powers of entry.U.K.

(1)If a justice of the peace or in Scotland a sheriff is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds for believing that an offence under this Act has been or is being committed at any place, he may issue a warrant authorising a constable to enter that place if need be by such force as is reasonably necessary, to search it and to require any person found there to give his name and address.

(2)A warrant under [F1subsection (1)] may authorise a constable to be accompanied by an inspector appointed under this Act and shall require him to be accompanied by such an inspector if the place in question is a [F2place specified in a section 2C licence.]

[F3(2A)If a justice of the peace or in Scotland a sheriff is satisfied by information on oath that—

(a)the Secretary of State has power to take action under section 11(4) or is under a duty to take steps under section 13A, and

(b)entry to a particular place is needed for that purpose,

the justice or sheriff may issue a warrant authorising specified officers of the Secretary of State to enter that place for that purpose, if need be using such force as is reasonably necessary to secure entry.

(2B)A warrant under subsection (2A) must require the specified officers to be accompanied by a constable and by an inspector appointed under this Act.]

(3)Any person who—

(a)intentionally obstructs a constable or inspector in the exercise of his powers under this section; F4...

[F5(aa)intentionally obstructs a person specified in a warrant issued under subsection (2A) in the exercise of a power under section 11(4) or a duty under section 13A; or]

(b)refuses on demand to give his name and address or gives a false name or address,

shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to a fine not exceeding the fourth level on the standard scale or to both.

Textual Amendments