New Clause 3 - Statutory improvement notices
Animal Welfare Bill
12:00 pm
‘(1)Prior to any prosecutions taking place under section 8, the appropriate authority shall issue a person violating section 8 with a Statutory Improvement Notice which shall state the reasons for the issuing of such a notice and suggestions on how to fulfil the requirements of the notice.
(2)The Statutory Improvement Notice issued under subsection (1) shall require the person to which it is issued to make appropriate changes to ensure the welfare of animals which are in their care.
(3)Under subsection (1), the “appropriate authority” includes—
(a)local authorities,
(b)the police,
(c)the State Veterinary Service, and
(d)the courts.
(4)Under subsection (1), the “appropriate authority” does not include—
(a)private individuals,
(b)government agencies (except the State Veterinary Service),
(c)non-governmental organisations, and
(d)registered charities.
(5)Statutory improvement notices issued under subsection (1) can only be valid for a term not exceeding 51 weeks after the date of issue.
(6)Having issued a statutory improvement notice to a person under subsection (1), the appropriate authority under subsection (3) must offer that person reasonable help in meeting the requirements of that notice.
(7)Nothing in this section prejudices persons or organisations not mentioned in subsection (3) from offering advice to others regarding animal welfare.
(8)Persons issued with a statutory improvement notice under subsection (1) will have 28 days to accept the notice or risk being prosecuted.’. —[Bill Wiggin.]