Part 2Animal welfare
Promotion of welfare
26Provision for securing welfare
1
The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision for the purposes of, and in connection with, securing the welfare of—
a
animals for which a person is responsible,
b
the progeny of such animals.
2
Regulations under subsection (1) may include, in particular—
a
provision prescribing general or specific requirements or prohibitions,
b
provision for enforcement, other than by way of proceedings for an offence, of provisions of the regulations,
c
provision—
i
that breach of a provision of the regulations is an offence,
ii
for penalties as respects the offence,
d
provision for and in connection with post-conviction orders (whether by reference to sections 39 to 43 or otherwise) in relation to an offence under the regulations,
e
provision conferring on persons of a specified description powers of entry, search, inspection and seizure in connection with breaches (and suspected breaches) of provisions of the regulations,
f
provision—
i
that obstructing a person in the exercise of a power conferred by the regulations is an offence,
ii
for penalties as respects the offence,
g
provision (whether or not subject to specified conditions) for exemptions from, or qualification to, any requirements, prohibitions or offences provided for in the regulations.
3
For the purpose of subsection (2), requirements and prohibitions may, in particular, relate to—
a
the prevention of suffering,
b
the way in which animals are looked after and the conditions in which they are kept,
c
the identification of animals (whether by use of marks, microchips or otherwise),
d
the breeding and rearing of animals,
e
how animals are transported,
f
how animals are prepared for killing and are killed,
g
hygiene,
h
the prevention of disease and of the spread of disease,
i
the keeping of records.
4
Regulations under subsection (1) may also make provision for fees or other charges in relation to the exercise of functions under the regulations.
5
Before making regulations under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers must consult—
a
such persons appearing to them to represent relevant interests, and
b
such other persons,
as they consider appropriate.