Artificial Reproduction of Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 1975

Powers of entry N.I.

7.—(1) A person, authorised in writing by the Department (in this Order referred to as an “authorised person”) may, on production if required of his credentials, at any reasonable time enter any premises for the purpose of ascertaining whether there is or has been, in or in connection with those premises, a contravention of this Order.

(2) An authorised person may, on production if required of his credentials, at any reasonable time enter—

(a) any ship, hovercraft or aircraft for the purpose of ascertaining whether there is in the ship, hovercraft or aircraft any semen or ova imported in contravention of Article 6;

(b) any vehicle, stall or place other than premises for any purpose for which under paragraph (1) the authorised person would have a right to enter any premises.

(3) Without prejudice to paragraph (1), any authorised person may, on production if required of his credentials, at any reasonable time enter any premises occupied by the holder of a licence granted under Article 5 or 6 and used for or in connection with any activity authorised by the licence.

(4) A power of entry under paragraph (1) or (3) shall not be exercisable in respect of any premises used only as a private dwelling-house except—

(a) with the consent given by or on behalf of the occupier of the premises; or

(b) after at least twenty-four hours' notice of the intended entry has been served on the occupier of the premises; or

(c) under the authority of a warrant granted under paragraph (5).

(5) Where a justice of the peace is satisfied by complaint on oath—

(a) that admission to premises is reasonably required for the purpose specified in the complaint; and

(b) that an authorised person would, apart from paragraph (4), be entitled for that purpose to exercise in respect of the premises a power of entry under paragraph (1) or (3); and

(c) that—

(i) admission to the premises has been refused, or that a refusal is apprehended, and (in either case) that notice of the intention to apply for a warrant has been served on the occupier; or

(ii) the requirements of paragraph (4)( b) have been complied with; or

(iii) an application for admission, or the serving of a notice under paragraph (4)( b) would defeat the object of the entry; or

(iv) the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is temporarily absent;

he may issue a warrant under his hand authorising any authorised person to enter the premises, by force if necessary.

(6) Paragraph (5) shall have effect in relation to entering any ship, hovercraft, aircraft, vehicle, stall or place which may be entered under paragraph (2) as it has effect in relation to entering any premises subject to the modification that for any reference to the occupier there were substituted a reference to the master, commander or other person in charge of the ship, hovercraft, aircraft, vehicle, stall or place.

(7) A warrant granted under this Article shall continue in force for a period of one month.