Amendments to the Wildlife Order

13Introduction of new species

1

Article 15 of the Wildlife Order (introduction of new species) is amended as follows.

2

In paragraph (1)—

a

in sub-paragraph (a) after “wild state” insert “ or is a hybrid of any animal of that kind ”;

b

in sub-paragraph (b) after “Schedule 9” insert “ or is a hybrid of any animal included in that Part ”.

3

In paragraph (2) after “Schedule 9” insert “ or is a hybrid of any plant included in that Part ”.

4

At the end add—

7

The Department may issue guidance (or approve guidance issued by others) for the purpose of providing persons with recommendations, advice and information regarding—

a

any animal mentioned in paragraph (1),

b

any plant mentioned in paragraph (2),

and may issue revisions of any guidance issued by it (or approve revisions of guidance issued by others).

8

A person who fails to comply with any guidance issued or approved under paragraph (7) is not by reason of that failure liable in any criminal or civil proceedings.

9

But any such guidance is admissible in evidence in such proceedings and a court may take account of any failure to comply with it in determining any questions in the proceedings.