PART 1General

Title, extent and commencement1

1

This Order may be cited as the Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals Order 2011.

2

It extends to Great Britain.

3

It comes into force on 1st January 2012.

Interpretation2

1

In this Order—

  • “the appropriate authority” means—

    1. a

      in relation to England, the Secretary of State,

    2. b

      in relation to Scotland, the Scottish Ministers,

    3. c

      in relation to Wales, the Welsh Ministers;

  • “carrier” means any undertaking carrying goods or passengers for hire by land, sea or air;

  • F3“the Commission Implementing Regulation” means Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 on the model identification documents for the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets, the establishment of lists of territories and third countries and the format, layout and language requirements of the declarations attesting compliance with certain conditions provided for in Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council;

  • “Decision 2003/459/EC” means Commission Decision 2003/459/EC on certain protection measures with regard to monkey pox virus7;

  • “Decision 2006/146/EC” means Commission Decision 2006/146/EC on certain protection measures with regard to certain fruit bats, dogs and cats coming from Malaysia (Peninsula) and Australia8;

  • “Decision 2007/25/EC” means Commission Decision 2007/25/EC as regards certain protection measures in relation to highly pathogenic avian influenza and movements of pet birds accompanying their owners into the Community;

  • F4“declaration” means a declaration given in accordance with Article 12(1)(c), Article 25(3) or Article 30(3) of the Pets Regulation;

  • “health certificate” means a certificate issued in accordance with F5Article 26 or Article 31 of the Pets Regulation;

  • “local authority” has the meaning given in article 3;

  • “pet bird” has the same meaning as in Decision 2007/25/EC;

  • F6“the Pets Regulation” means Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the non-commercial movement of pet animals and repealing Regulation (EC) No 998/2003;

  • “the supplementary Regulation” means Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1152/2011 supplementing Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards preventive health measures for the control of Echinococcus multilocularis infection in dogs9.

2

Terms and expressions used in this Order and in the Pets Regulation have the same meaning as in the Pets Regulation.

3

In this Order—

a

any reference to Decision 2007/25/EC is a reference to that Decision as amended from time to time, F7...

F8b

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Meaning of local authority3

1

In England, “local authority” means—

a

where there is, within the meaning of the Local Government Changes for England Regulations 199410, a unitary authority, that authority,

b

where there is not a unitary authority—

i

in a metropolitan district, the council of that district,

ii

in a non-metropolitan county, the council of that county,

iii

in a London borough, F9the Common Council of the City of London,

c

in the City of London, the Common Council, or

d

in the Isles of Scilly, the Council.

2

In Scotland, “local authority” means a council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 199411.

3

In Wales, “local authority” means a county council or a county borough council.

Designation4

1

The appropriate authority—

a

is the competent authority for the purposes of F10Articles 3(g) and (h), 10(3)(b), F22... 23 and 32(1)(b)(i) of the Pets Regulation, F23...

F23b

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F112

The appropriate authority and the local authority are the competent authorities for the purposes of—

a

Articles 33(2), 34 and 35 of the Pets Regulation,

b

Article 2(1) of Decision 2007/25/EC, and

c

article 10 of this Order

PART 2Controls on diseases

Controls on rabies and certain other diseases of mammals5

1

The Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) Order 197412 does not apply to the landing of a pet animal in Great Britain which—

a

is an animal of a species listed in Part A F12...of Annex I to the Pets Regulation and is brought into Great Britain on a carrier approved in accordance with article 11 (unless article 11(2) applies) and satisfies—

i

the requirement in respect of rabies in article 6,

ii

the requirement in respect of Nipah disease in article 7 (where applicable),

iii

the requirement in respect of Hendra disease in article 8 (where applicable), and

iv

the requirement in respect of Echinococcus multilocularis in article 9 (where applicable),

b

is brought into Great Britain from Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, or

F13c

is an animal of a species listed in Part B of Annex I to the Pets Regulation and is brought into Great Britain from F24a member State.

2

But the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) Order 1974 does apply to the importation into Great Britain of a pet animal which is—

a

a prairie dog originating in or coming from the United States of America, or

b

a rodent of non-domestic species or a squirrel originating in or coming from a third country of the African sub-Saharan region.

Rabies6

The requirement in respect of rabies is that the animal complies with F14Article F25... 10 of the Pets Regulation F26....

Nipah disease7

The requirement in respect of Nipah disease is that a dog or cat imported from Malaysia (Peninsula) must be accompanied by a certificate which—

a

is signed by a representative of the Malaysian government veterinary services,

b

states the number of the microchip implanted in the dog or cat, and

c

certifies that the conditions in Article 2(2) of Decision 2006/146/EC have been met.

Hendra disease8

The requirement in respect of Hendra disease is that a cat imported from Australia must be accompanied by a certificate which—

a

is signed by a representative of the Australian government veterinary services,

b

states the number of the microchip implanted in the cat, and

c

certifies that the condition in Article 3(2) of Decision 2006/146/EC has been met.

Echinococcus multilocularis9

The requirement in respect of Echinococcus multilocularis is that a dog complies with the preventive health measures in Article F206 of the supplementary Regulation, except where those measures do not apply by virtue of Article F217(1)(b) of that Regulation.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza10

1

The Importation of Birds, Poultry and Hatching Eggs Order 197913 does not apply to the landing of a pet bird to which Decision 2007/25/EC applies.

2

Paragraphs (3) to (5) apply where a pet bird is part of a movement into Great Britain which does not comply with Decision 2007/25/EC.

3

An officer of the competent authority may serve a written notice on the person accompanying the bird, requiring that person to—

a

return the bird to its country of origin,

b

place the bird in quarantine for such period, at such place and subject to such conditions as may be specified in the notice, or

c

where the return or quarantine of the bird is not possible, cause the bird to be destroyed by a date specified in the notice.

4

A person on whom a notice is served must comply with it at that person’s own expense.

5

Where a notice is not complied with, an officer of the competent authority may seize the bird, detain it and arrange for it to be treated as required by the notice at the expense of the person on whom notice is served.

F2PART 2AMicrochipping of Pet Animals

Annotations:

Minimum qualifications for microchipping of pet animals10A

1

No person may implant a microchip in an animal of the species listed in Part A of Annex I to the Pets Regulation for the purposes of a non-commercial movement unless—

a

they are a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary nurse acting under the direction of a veterinary surgeon,

b

they are a student of veterinary surgery or a student veterinary nurse and in either case are acting under the direction of a veterinary surgeon,

c

they have been satisfactorily assessed on a training course approved by the appropriate authority for that purpose, or

d

before the 29th December 2014 they received training on implantation which included practical experience of implanting a microchip.

2

In this Article—

  • “microchip” has the same meaning as “transponder” in the Pets Regulation;

  • “student veterinary nurse” and “veterinary nurse” have the meanings given by Schedule 3 to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 19667;

  • “student of veterinary surgery” has the same meaning as in regulation 3 of the Schedule to the Veterinary Surgeons (Practice by Students) Regulations Order of Council 19818;

  • “veterinary surgeon” means a person registered in the register of veterinary surgeons, or the supplementary veterinary register, kept under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

PART 3Carriers

Approval of carriers11

1

A carrier who moves a pet animal which is subject to F15Article F27... 10 of the Pets Regulation into Great Britain must be approved for the purpose by the appropriate authority.

2

But approval is not required where—

a

the movement is from the Republic of Ireland, or

b

the carrier is a Community air F28carrier, Union carrier, F29UK air carrier or United Kingdom carrier, and the movement is of a recognised assistance dog.

3

Approval may be granted subject to such terms and conditions as the authority considers necessary or expedient to ensure that pet animals are checked by or on behalf of the carrier for compliance with the Pets Regulation and (if applicable) the supplementary Regulation and Decision 2006/146/EC.

4

Approvals in force immediately before 1st January 2012 under article 7 of the Pet Travel Scheme (Scotland) Order 200314 and article 8 of the Non Commercial Movement of Pet Animals (England) Regulations 200415 continue in force as approvals under this Order.

5

The appropriate authority may amend an approval by giving notice in writing to the carrier.

F166

In this article—

  • “Community air carrier” F30and “UK air carrier” have the meaning given by Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air, and for the purposes of travelling by air “recognised assistance dog” shall be interpreted in accordance with that Regulation; F31...

  • “Union carrier” has the meaning given by Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the rights of passengers when travelling by sea and inland waterway F32as it applies in the European Union as amended from time to time; and

  • F33United Kingdom carrier” has the meaning given by Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the rights of passengers when travelling by sea and inland waterway, and for the purposes of travelling by sea and inland waterway, “recognised assistance dog” shall be interpreted in accordance with that Regulation.

Suspension or withdrawal of approvals12

1

Where the appropriate authority is satisfied that a carrier has failed to comply with its approval, the appropriate authority may suspend or withdraw the approval by giving notice in writing to the carrier.

2

A suspension or withdrawal under paragraph (1) has effect at the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the date of service of the notice.

3

But if it is necessary for the protection of public or animal health the appropriate authority may specify in the notice that the suspension or withdrawal has immediate effect.

4

The notice must—

a

give reasons,

b

state when it comes into effect and, in the case of suspension, state on what date or event it is to cease to have effect, and

c

explain the right of the carrier to make written representations in accordance with paragraph (6), and details of the person to whom such representations may be made.

5

Where the notice does not have immediate effect and representations are made under paragraph (6), a suspension or withdrawal must not have effect until the final determination of the appropriate authority in accordance with paragraph (9), unless the appropriate authority decides that it is necessary for the protection of public or animal health for the suspension or withdrawal to have immediate effect and gives notice to that effect.

6

A carrier may make written representations against a suspension or withdrawal of its approval to a person appointed for the purpose by the appropriate authority.

7

Written representations must be made within the period of 21 days beginning with the date on which notice is served on the carrier to suspend or withdraw its approval.

8

The appointed person must consider the representations and report in writing to the appropriate authority.

9

The appropriate authority must give to the carrier written notification of its final determination and the reasons for it.

PART 4Enforcement

Enforcement authority13

1

The local authority enforces the Pets Regulation, F17the Commission Implementing Regulation, Decision 2003/459/EC, Decision 2006/146/EC, Decision 2007/25/EC, the supplementary Regulation and this Order (in this Part, “the relevant instruments”).

2

In relation to cases of a particular description or to a particular case, the appropriate authority may direct that the relevant instruments be enforced by it instead.

F13

Where the Secretary of State makes a direction under paragraph (2), the Secretary of State may delegate to the Director of Public Prosecutions functions in relation to the prosecution of an offence under this Order.

Appointment of authorised officers14

1

The local authority or the appropriate authority may authorise officers for the purpose of enforcing the relevant instruments.

2

The following are authorised officers for the purpose of enforcing the relevant instruments—

a

a person appointed as an inspector or a veterinary inspector for the purposes of the Animal Health Act 198117,

b

a person appointed for the purposes of the Non Commercial Movement of Pet Animals (England) Regulations 200418 or the Pet Travel Scheme (Scotland) Order 200319.

Powers of authorised officers15

1

An authorised officer may, on producing a duly authenticated authorisation if required, enter any premises at any reasonable hour for the purpose of enforcing the relevant instruments, and in this article “premises” includes any place, trailer, container, vessel, boat, aircraft or vehicle of any other description.

2

An authorised officer may be accompanied by such other persons as the authorised officer considers necessaryF34....

3

Admission to premises used wholly or mainly as a private dwelling house may not be demanded as of right unless the entry is in accordance with a warrant granted under paragraph (4).

4

A justice of the peace in England and Wales, or a sheriff, stipendiary magistrate or justice of the peace in Scotland may by signed warrant permit an authorised officer to enter premises used wholly or mainly as a private dwelling house, if necessary by reasonable force, if satisfied, on sworn information in writing (in England and Wales) or by evidence on oath (in Scotland)—

a

that there are reasonable grounds to enter those premises for the purpose of enforcing the relevant instruments, and

b

that any of the conditions in paragraph (5) are met.

5

The conditions are—

a

entry to the premises has been, or is likely to be, refused, and notice of the intention to apply for a warrant has been given to the occupier,

b

asking for admission to the premises, or giving such a notice, would defeat the object of the entry,

c

entry is required urgently, or

d

the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is temporarily absent.

6

A warrant is valid for three months.

7

An authorised officer who enters any unoccupied premises must leave them as effectively secured against unauthorised entry as they were before entry.

8

An authorised officer who has entered premises for the purposes of enforcing the relevant instruments may for those purposes—

a

carry out any examination, investigation or test,

b

inspect and search the premises,

c

require the production of any document or record (including a passport or health certificate) and inspect and take a copy of or extract from such document or record,

d

require any person to provide such assistance, information or facilities as is reasonable,

e

seize and detain a pet animal or pet bird.

Offences16

1

Failure to comply with either of the following is an offence—

a

a notice served under article 10(3),

b

article 11(1), except where article 11(2) applies.

2

It is an offence—

a

intentionally to obstruct any person acting in the execution of the relevant instruments,

b

without reasonable cause, to fail to give to any such person any assistance or information that that person may reasonably require,

c

to furnish to any such person any information knowing it to be false or misleading (including information contained in a F18passport, health certificate or declaration ), or

d

to fail to produce a document or record (including a F19passport, health certificate or declaration ) to any such person when required to do so.

Penalties17

1

A person guilty of an offence under article 16(1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

2

A person guilty of an offence under article 16(2) is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Offences by bodies corporate, partnerships and unincorporated associations18

1

Where a body corporate is guilty of an offence under this Order, and that offence is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to have been attributable to any neglect on the part of—

a

a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, or

b

a person who was purporting to act in any such capacity,

that person, as well as the body corporate, is guilty of the offence.

2

In paragraph (1) “director”, in relation to a body corporate whose affairs are managed by its members, means a member of the body corporate.

3

Where a partnership or Scottish partnership is guilty of an offence under this Order, and that offence is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to have been attributable to any neglect on the part of a partner, the partner, as well as the partnership or Scottish partnership, is guilty of the offence.

4

In paragraph (3) “partner” includes a person purporting to act as a partner.

5

Where an unincorporated association is guilty of an offence under this Order, and that offence is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to have been attributable to any neglect on the part of an officer of the association, that officer, as well as the association, is guilty of the offence.

6

In paragraph (5) “officer”, in relation to an unincorporated association, means—

a

an officer of the association or a member of its governing body, or

b

a person purporting to act in such a capacity.

PART 5Transitional provision, amendments, revocations and review

Transitional provisionF3519

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amendments20

The Schedule (amendments) has effect.

Revocations21

The following instruments are revoked—

a

the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) (Amendment) Order 199420,

b

the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 200221,

c

the Pet Travel Scheme (Scotland) Order 200322,

d

the Non Commercial Movement of Pet Animals (England) Regulations 200423,

e

the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) (England) (Amendment) Order 200424, and

f

the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) Amendment (Scotland) Order 201125.

Review22

1

The Secretary of State must from time to time—

a

carry out a review of this Order,

b

set out the conclusions of the review in a report, and

c

publish the report.

F362

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3

The report must in particular—

a

set out the objectives intended to be achieved by this Order,

b

assess the extent to which those objectives are achieved, and

c

assess whether those objectives remain appropriate and, if so, the extent to which they could be achieved in a less burdensome way.

4

The first report under this Order must be published before the end of the period of five years beginning with 1st January 2012.

5

Reports under this article are afterwards to be published at intervals not exceeding five years.

Taylor of HolbeachParliamentary Under Secretary of StateDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
John GriffithsMinister for Environment and Sustainable DevelopmentOne of the Welsh Ministers