The Animal Gatherings (Wales) Order 2007

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order revokes and re-enacts, with amendments, the Animal Gatherings (Wales) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1803 (W.191)). The amendments are as follows.

First, where a series of animal gatherings that are held on premises with a paved animal area last no longer than 48 hours in total, those gatherings will be treated as one animal gathering (article 7(6)). Secondly, article 8 provides that a licensee may apply to the Welsh Ministers to allow sheep at a sheep autumn breeding sale to have access to areas outside the paved animal area and for permission to hold further animal gatherings within 27 days of that sheep autumn breeding sale. Thirdly, paragraph 1(2) of the Schedule requires the licensee to provide facilities for removing mud, excreta and other contaminants from animals from footwear, in addition to providing footbaths. Paragraph 3 of the Schedule requires any person leaving the animal area to use those facilities before using the footbath containing approved disinfectant. Fourthly, paragraph 2(1) of the Schedule provides that no person may enter licensed premises with outer clothing or footwear that is visibly contaminated with mud, in addition to animal excreta or any other animal contaminant specified in the 2004 Order.

Article 4 provides that this Order does not apply if all the animals brought to an animal gathering are owned by the same person and come from premises authorised as a sole occupancy group under the Disease Control (Wales) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1966 (W.211)) and if the gathering takes place on premises owned or occupied by the owner of the animals.

Article 5 requires a licence for animal gatherings. Article 6 specifies that an animal gathering can only take place 27 days or more after the last animal left those premises and those premises and equipment on the premises has been cleaned of visible contamination. If the gathering takes place on paved premises, article 7 makes provision for the cleansing and disinfection of those premises and enables a gathering to take place inside the normal time limits. Article 9 imposes a 48 hour time limit on animal gatherings for the purpose of sale on paved premises and sheep autumn breeding sales and onward consignments on any premises. Article 12 and the Schedule impose duties on persons attending an animal gathering. Article 13 imposes restrictions following an animal gathering. Article 14 deals with enforcement.

Breach of the Order is an offence under section 73 of the Animal Health Act 1981, punishable in accordance with section 75 of that Act.

A regulatory impact assessment has been prepared and copies can be obtained from the Welsh Assembly Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ.