Part 2Animal welfare

Animals in distress

32BF1Decision notice for exercise of powers under section 32A: content

1

Before taking a relevant step under section 32A(1), an authorised person must serve a notice (in this section and in sections 32C to 32M, a “decision notice”) specifying—

a

a description of the protected animal,

b

the date on which the animal was taken into possession under section 32,

c

the relevant step that the authorised person intends to take in relation to the animal,

d

the reason for taking that step (including, if the step is to destroy the animal, confirmation that a certificate has been obtained from a veterinary surgeon in accordance with section 32A(4)),

e

how any compensation will be assessed and the process by which it may become payable in accordance with sections 32G to 32K if the step is taken,

f

the effect of section 32L,

g

how service of the decision notice affects rights to apply for court orders under sections 33 and 34,

h

the procedure for appealing to the court in respect of the decision notice and the period within which such an appeal may be made.

2

A decision notice which specifies a relevant step mentioned in section 32A(2)(b) need not include any details of the proposed transfer of ownership of the animal other than the fact that such a transfer is proposed.

3

The authorised person may choose to include in the decision notice the market value of the animal at the time the animal was taken into possession under section 32.

4

But see sections 32E(5) and 32F(5) which make further provision for when a decision notice may and may not be served.