The Animal Welfare and Invasive Non-native Species (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations are made in the exercise of powers in section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 (c. 68) and sections 8 (in particular section 8(2)(a)-(d) and (g)) and 8C of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (c. 16), in order to address failures of retained EU law to operate effectively and other deficiencies. This includes changes to the way in which such deficiencies are addressed in consequence of section 7A of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 relating to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

Part 2 contains amendments relating to animal welfare. Chapter 1 contains general amendments relating to animal welfare. It makes amendments to S.I. 2019/802 and 588, both of which make amendments to the retained direct EU legislation in the fields of control posts, animal welfare at transport and animal welfare at slaughter. Chapter 2 makes amendments relating to leghold traps and pelt imports. It amends S.I. 2019/16 and 473 which amend retained direct EU legislation concerning the use of leghold traps and the import of pelts and manufactured goods of certain wild animal species.

Part 3 contains amendments relating to invasive non-native species. Chapters 1 and 2 make amendments relating to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. Chapter 1 makes amendments to S.I. 2019/223 and 1220, both of which make amendments to retained EU legislation concerning invasive non-native species. Chapter 2 makes amendments to S.I. 2019/527 as it applies to Northern Ireland. Chapter 3 also amends S.I. 2019/527 and makes changes to how EU Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species (EUR 2014/1143) is given effect in the United Kingdom. With the exception of regulation 9(2) (which does not extend to Northern Ireland) and regulation 9(5) (which does not extend to Scotland or Northern Ireland), Chapter 3 extends and applies to the United Kingdom.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.