ANIMAL CARE AND PROTECTION ACT 2001 - SECT 124 Procedure for entry with consent

ANIMAL CARE AND PROTECTION ACT 2001 - SECT 124

124 Procedure for entry with consent

(1) This section applies if an inspector intends to ask an occupier of a place to consent to the inspector or another inspector entering the place under section 122 (1) (a) .

(2) Before asking for the consent, the inspector must tell the occupier—

(a) the purpose of the entry; and

(b) that the occupier is not required to consent.

(3) If the consent is given, the inspector may ask the occupier to sign an acknowledgment of the consent.

(4) The acknowledgment must state—

(a) the occupier has been told—

(i) the purpose of the entry; and

(ii) that the occupier is not required to consent; and

(b) the purpose of the entry; and

(c) the occupier gives the inspector or another inspector consent to enter the place and exercise powers under this part; and

(d) the time and date the consent was given.

(5) If the occupier signs the acknowledgment, the inspector must promptly give a copy to the occupier.

(6) If—

(a) an issue arises in a proceeding about whether the occupier consented to the entry; and

(b) an acknowledgment complying with subsection (4) for the entry is not produced in evidence;

the onus of proof is on the person relying on the lawfulness of the entry to prove the occupier consented.