(1)In this Act—
“animal” includes bird, fish and reptile;
“authorised officer” means an officer of the Ministry generally or specially authorised in writing by the Ministry for the purposes of this Act;
“domestic animal” means any animal which is tame or which has been or is being tamed;
“horse” means any member of the equine species;
“Minister” means the Minister of Agriculture;
“Ministry” means the Ministry of Agriculture;
“police officer” means a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary or of any Harbour Police;
“premises” includes land;
“statutory provision” has the meaning assigned to it by section 1( f) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 [1954 c.33] ;
“veterinary surgeon” has the meaning assigned to it by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 [1966 c.36] , and includes a veterinary practitioner within the meaning of that Act.
(2)A reference in this Act to any animal shall include a reference to the male, female and young of that animal.
Any expenses incurred by the Ministry under section 4, and any other expenses incurred by the Ministry or a police officer under this Act and not recovered in accordance with the provisions of this Act may be defrayed out of money provided by Parliament.
Subs.(1), with Schedule 2, effects repeals
(2)This Act may be cited as the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972.
(3) Commencement