The Importation of Animals Order 1977

Cleansing and disinfection of vessels, etc., used for the carriage of imported animals to Great Britain

6.—(1) Paragraph (2) below shall apply to—

(a) every vessel or aircraft which has been used for the carriage of imported animals to Great Britain; and

(b) every vehicle or container which has been so used in circumstances in which the animals carried therein are unloaded therefrom at the port or airport at which the vehicle or container is unloaded from the vessel or aircraft which brought it to Great Britain.

(2) It shall be the duty of the master of a vessel, the operator of an aircraft or, as the case may be, the person in charge of a vehicle or container to which this paragraph applies to ensure that—

(a) after the imported animals have been unloaded therefrom, and before any other cargo is loaded therein,—

(i) every part of the vessel, aircraft, vehicle or container with which the animals, or their droppings or other excreta, have been in contact, and

(ii) any apparatus, equipment or thing used in connection with the carriage or unloading of the animals,

is effectively cleansed and disinfected; and

(b) such cleansing and disinfection is carried out in such manner and to such extent as may be specified in, and otherwise in accordance with, any directions relating thereto which may have been given by an inspector.

(3) A veterinary inspector shall have power, in relation to any vessel, aircraft, vehicle or container to which paragraph (2) above applies, to require in writing that any dung, fodder, litter or other waste material coming from, or used for or about, imported animals shall be disposed of in such manner as he may direct.