[F136C Restrictions on breeding from genetically susceptible sheepE+W
(1)This section applies where it appears to the Secretary of State that a sheep is of a genotype specified in an order under section 36A.
(2)The Secretary of State must consider whether there are exceptional circumstances that justify allowing the sheep to be used for breeding.
(3)If it appears to the Secretary of State that allowing the sheep to be used for breeding would not be justified, he must give notice to its keeper (“a restriction notice”) that the restrictions and requirements imposed by subsections (7) to (9) apply in relation to the sheep.
(4)A restriction notice—
(a)may be made so as to apply to more than one sheep, and
(b)may describe the sheep to which it applies in such a way as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(5)If the keeper of a sheep is not the same person as its owner, the Secretary of State may give a separate restriction notice to the owner.
(6)Subsections (7) to (9) apply to a person to whom a restriction notice is given.
(7)He must not—
(a)use a sheep to which the notice applies, or its semen, eggs or embryos, for purposes of or connected with breeding, or
(b)cause or permit such a sheep or such semen, eggs or embryos to be used by another person for those purposes.
(8)He must arrange for any semen, egg or embryo which has at any time been taken from a sheep to which the notice applies, and which is in his possession or under his control, to be destroyed.
(9)He must arrange for each sheep to which the notice applies—
(a)to be castrated or (as appropriate) sterilised before the end of the period of one month beginning with the date on which the notice was given, or
(b)to be slaughtered before the end of the period of seven months beginning with that date.
(10)For the purposes of subsection (2) exceptional circumstances include circumstances in which the imposition in relation to the sheep of the restrictions and requirements of subsections (7) to (9) is likely to cause the extinction of the breed of which the sheep is a member.]
Textual Amendments
F1Pt. 2A (ss. 36A-36M) inserted (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 6, Sch.; S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2