Search Legislation

Animal Health Act 1981

 Help about what version

What Version

 Help about advanced features

Advanced Features

 Help about opening options

Opening OptionsExpand opening options

Changes over time for: Section 79

 Help about opening options

Version Superseded: 28/10/2005

Status:

Point in time view as at 21/07/1998. This version of this provision has been superseded. Help about Status

Changes to legislation:

There are currently no known outstanding effects for the Animal Health Act 1981, Section 79. Help about Changes to Legislation

79 Evidence and procedure.E+W+S

(1)In any proceeding under this Act no proof shall be required of the appointment or handwriting of an inspector or other officer of the Minister or of the clerk or an inspector or other officer of a local authority.

(2)Where the owner or person in charge of an animal is charged with an offence against this Act relative to disease or to any illness of the animal, he shall be presumed to have known of the existence of the disease or illness unless and until he shows to the court’s satisfaction that—

(a)he had not knowledge of the existence of that disease or illness, and

(b)he could not with reasonable diligence have obtained that knowledge.

(3)Where a person—

(a)is charged with an offence against this Act in not having duly cleansed or disinfected any place, vessel, aircraft, vehicle or thing belonging to him or under his charge, and

(b)a presumption against him on the part of the prosecution is raised,

it shall lie on him to prove the due cleansing and disinfection mentioned in paragraph (a).

(4)Every offence against this Act shall be deemed to have been committed, and every cause of complaint or matter for summary proceeding under this Act or an order of the Minister or regulation of a local authority shall be deemed to have arisen, either in any place—

(a)where it actually was committed or arose; or

(b)where the person charged or complained of or proceeded against happens to be at the time of the institution or commencement of the charge, complaint or proceeding.

(5)Nothing in subsections (2) to (4) above applies in relation to an offence under section 4 above.

Back to top

Options/Help