16. The applicant must—
(a)not be less than 18 years old;
(b)provide written details if the applicant—
(i)has been convicted of any offence concerning the welfare of animals;
(ii)has been refused a licence under the 1967 Act, the 1974 Act, any regulations made under either of those Acts or the 1995 Regulations in relation to the killing of an animal or related operation; or
(iii)has had any such licence revoked or suspended;
(c)provide evidence in writing that an authorised veterinary surgeon has assessed the applicant and is of the opinion that the applicant—
(i)is competent to carry out the operation in respect of the category of animal and (where appropriate) type of equipment for which a licence is sought without causing an animal avoidable pain, distress or suffering, and
(ii)has sufficient knowledge of the provisions of all relevant legislation and guidance relating to that operation, category of animal and (where appropriate) type of equipment for which the licence is sought; and
(d)pay a fee in accordance with regulation 24.