Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1992

Powers of inspectors in the course of transport

12.—(1) If it is found in the course of transport that the provisions of this Order or any other Order made under section 37, 38 or 39 of the Act are not being or have not been complied with, an inspector may by notice in writing served on the person in charge of the animals require that person to take any action which the inspector considers necessary in order to safeguard the welfare of the animals concerned.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1) above, an inspector may in particular—

(a) require the journey to be completed or the animals to be returned to their place of departure by the most direct route, provided that this course of action would not cause unnecessary suffering to the animals;

(b) require the animals to be held in suitable accommodation with appropriate care until the problem is solved;

(c) require the humane slaughter of the animals.

(3) If any person in charge of the animals fails to comply with the requirements of the notice, the inspector shall have powers to carry out such measures himself, or cause them to be carried out, and the costs of such measures shall be recoverable from the person in charge of the transport undertaking on demand by the local authority or the appropriate Minister as the case may be.