Animal Welfare Bill

Lords amendment No. 66 deals with: "““Functions in connection with entry under section 19””." It set out powers including the power to"““inspect an animal found on the premises””," the power to"““remove a carcass””" and the power to"““take a photograph of anything on the premises.””" However, I do not see a power for anyone executing a warrant to remove an animal thought to be in need of urgent treatment. I assume that that is not covered by the power to inspect an animal found on the premises. There should be a facility to remove an animal for further treatment. Perhaps that is covered elsewhere in the Bill and I have missed it, but it is certainly not included in this amendment. I would be grateful for the Minister’s comment on this question. In Lords amendment No. 64, sub-paragraph (3) states:"““An application for a warrant shall be made without notice””." Perhaps that is just traditional drafting, but I would have thought that the words ““may be made without notice”” would be more appropriate. Otherwise, if notice were given by accident, the warrant might not be granted. That would be rather peculiar. I would be grateful if the Minister could respond to that point as well.