Animal Welfare Act 2002

An inspector may enter a place —

with the consent of the occupier or person apparently in charge of the place; or

if a notice has been given in accordance with subsection (3) and the period specified in the notice as the period within which objections may be made has elapsed with no objection being made; or

under a warrant issued under section 59; or

in the case of a place occupied by a scientific establishment, at any time; or

in the case of any other non‑residential place, if the inspector reasonably suspects that an offence under Part 3 —

has been, or is being, committed at the place; or

is likely to be, or to continue to be, committed at the place if entry is not effected.

In addition, a designated inspector may, for the purpose of carrying out the function referred to in section 37(1)(aa), enter at any time any of the following places —

if the inspector believes, on reasonable grounds, that a place is an intensive production place — the place;

an abattoir;

a knackery.

In order to enter a place under subsection (1)(b), (c), (d) or (e) or (1A) an inspector may —

use such force as is reasonably necessary; and

enter any other non‑residential place for the purpose of reaching the place to be entered.

An inspector wishing to enter a place may give to the owner or occupier of the place a notice —

stating that the inspector wishes to enter the place; and

specifying the purpose for which entry is required; and

specifying the period (being not less than 24 hours) within which the owner or occupier may object to the inspector.

Where a notice has been given under subsection (3) and no objection has been made to the inspector within the time specified in the notice —

the notice continues to have effect until —

the purpose for which entry was required has been effected; or

7 days after the end of the objection period specified in the notice,

successive entries for that purpose are to be regarded as entries to which the notice relates.