Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Order.)
This Order sets out controls on the movement of certain animals to or from a holding and includes the introduction of a standstill period.
Article 4 provides that an animal may not be moved from a holding except under licence from the Department.
Articles 5 and 6 provide that any bovine animal, goat, pig, sheep, deer, llama or alpaca may not be moved from a holding if another animal has been moved on to that holding during the previous 6 days, i.e. the “standstill period” unless the other animal is put into isolation or the movement is licensed by the Department.
Article 7 regulates the movement of an animal into or out of an isolation facility.
Articles 8 to 10 set out provisions regulating the movement of animals by dealers.
Articles 11 to 14 make provision for the issue, variation, suspension and revocation of licences.
Article 15 enables an inspector, in a case of default, to carry out, or arrange to have carried out, any requirements imposed under the Order or by virtue of any licence issued under it.
Article 16 specifies cleansing and disinfection facilities and Article 17 sets out requirements where there is a change of occupation of premises.
Any person who, without lawful authority or excuse, proof of which shall lie on him, contravenes any provision of this Order shall be guilty of an offence against the Diseases of Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 and shall be liable, on summary conviction, either to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (currently £5,000) or in the case of an offence committed with respect to more than 5 animals, not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (currently £1,000) for each animal.