Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006

3 After section 19 insert—

“19XA Constables' powers in connection with samples

(1) A constable who suspects with reasonable cause that a specimen found by him in the exercise of powers conferred by this section is one in respect of which an offence under this Part is being or has been committed may require the taking from it of a sample.

(2) A constable who suspects with reasonable cause that an offence under this Part is being or has been committed in respect of any specimen (“the relevant specimen”) may require any person to make available for the taking of a sample any specimen (other than the relevant specimen) in that person’s possession or control which—

(a) is alleged to be, or

(b) the constable suspects with reasonable cause to be,

a specimen a sample from which will tend to establish the identity or ancestry of the relevant specimen.

(3) Where a sample from a live bird or other animal is to be taken pursuant to a requirement under this section, any person who has possession or control of the specimen must give the person taking the sample such assistance as he may reasonably require for that purpose.

(4) “Specimen” and “sample” have the same meaning as in section 18C.

(5) This section is subject to section 18F (restrictions on taking samples).

19XB Offences in connection with enforcement powers

(1) A person is guilty of an offence if he—

(a) intentionally obstructs a wildlife inspector acting in the exercise of powers conferred by section 18B(1) or 18C(2) or (7), or

(b) fails without reasonable excuse to give any assistance reasonably required under section 18C(6).

(2) A person is guilty of an offence if he—

(a) intentionally obstructs a wildlife inspector acting in the exercise of powers conferred by section 18D(1) or 18E(2), or

(b) fails without reasonable excuse to make available any specimen in accordance with a requirement under section 18E(1) or (3), or

(c) fails without reasonable excuse to give any assistance reasonably required under section 18E(4).

(3) A person is guilty of an offence if he—

(a) fails without reasonable excuse to make available any specimen in accordance with a requirement under section 19XA(2), or

(b) fails without reasonable excuse to give any assistance reasonably required under section 19XA(3).

(4) Any person who, with intent to deceive, falsely pretends to be a wildlife inspector is guilty of an offence.”