PART 4

ENFORCEMENT

Enforcement powers

Entry and search under warrant in connection with offences
22
1
Subject to subsection (2), a lay magistrate may, on the application of an inspector or constable, issue a warrant authorising an inspector or a constable to enter premises, if necessary using reasonable force, in order to search for evidence of the commission of a relevant offence.
2
The power to issue a warrant under subsection (1) is exercisable only if the lay magistrate is satisfied by complaint on oath—
a
that there are reasonable grounds for believing—
i
that a relevant offence has been committed on the premises, or
ii
that evidence of the commission of a relevant offence is to be found on the premises, and
b
that section 46 is satisfied in relation to the premises.
3
In this section, “relevant offence” means an offence under any of sections 4 to 10, 12(6), 14 and 33(9).
S. 22 modified (1.4.2013) by The Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 (S.R. 2013/43), regs. 1, 15