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Section 22: Seizure of animals involved in fighting offences

Animal Welfare Act 2006 · 2006 c. 45View on legislation.gov.uk

A constable may seize an animal if it appears to him that it is one in relation to which an offence under section 8(1) or (2) has been committed.

A constable may enter and search premises for the purpose of exercising the power under subsection (1) if he reasonably believes—

that there is an animal on the premises, and
that the animal is one in relation to which the power under subsection (1) is exercisable.

Subsection (2) does not authorise entry to any part of premises which is used as a private dwelling.

Subject to subsection (5), a justice of the peace may, on the application of a constable, issue a warrant authorising a constable to enter and search premises, if necessary using reasonable force, for the purpose of exercising the power under subsection (1).

The power to issue a warrant under subsection (4) is exercisable only if the justice of the peace is satisfied—

that there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is on the premises an animal in relation to which an offence under section 8(1) or (2) has been committed, and
that section 52 is satisfied in relation to the premises.

In this section, references to an animal in relation to which an offence under section 8(1) or (2) has been committed include an animal which took part in an animal fight in relation to which such an offence was committed.

About this text

This legislation text comes from legislation.gov.uk. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. These source and reuse terms cover the legislation text, not Remedy's commentary.

Reuse reviewed 21 August 2026 under Open Government Licence v3.0.