Hunting
7
1
Subject to the following provisions of this article, no person may take part in hunting.
2
Nothing in paragraph (1) above shall make it unlawful for—
a
the occupier of any land or any group of not more than three persons who are authorised by the occupier or are members of his or her household to use any dog in connection with the killing on that land of any fox, hare, mink, or rabbit found thereon provided that this shall not be taken to authorise the pursuit of any such quarry using dogs outside the boundaries of that land; or
b
a person to take part in hunting under the authority of a permit granted by a veterinary inspector and subject to any conditions that may be specified therein.
3
SIn deciding whether to issue a permit under paragraph (2)(b) above, a veterinary inspector shall comply with any instructions which may have been issued by the Minister or the National Assembly in relation to the issue of such permits.
4
A permit issued under article 36(2)(d) of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Order 1983 and in force immediately before the coming into force of this Order shall continue to have effect as if it were a permit issued under paragraph (2)(b) above.
5
Subject to paragraph (6) below, where a permit is issued under paragraph (2)(b) above as a general permit a veterinary inspector may by notice prohibit any person from taking part in or organising hunting under the authority of that permit.
6
A veterinary inspector may only issue a notice under paragraph (5) above if he or she is of the opinion that—
a
the provisions of the Order or of the aforesaid general permit are or have not been complied with by the person on whom the notice is served or by persons taking part in any hunt which he or she has organised; and
b
the service of such a notice is necessary to prevent a possible spread of disease.