Explanatory note

Regulation 3 of these Regulations empowers the National Assembly for Wales to issue emergency licences during outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (as defined in regulation 2).

Regulation 4 of these Regulations provides that an emergency licence may authorise the licensee to do things that would normally be prohibited by the Artificial Insemination of Cattle (Animal Health) (England and Wales) Regulations 1985 (“the 1985 Regulations”), which controls a range of activities related to the artificial insemination of cattle.

Regulation 5 provides that anyone making a statement or providing information for the purpose of obtaining an emergency licence must reasonably believe that the statement or the information is true.

Regulation 6 of these Regulations amends regulation 4 of the 1985 Regulations to provide that the 1985 Regulations shall not apply in relation to anything done in accordance with an emergency licence issued under regulation 3 of these Regulations.

Failure to comply with the conditions of an emergency licence or with regulation 5 of these Regulations is an offence against section 10(6) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 1984, for which the maximum penalty is three months imprisonment and/or a fine at level 3 on the standard scale (currently, £1,000).

A Regulatory Appraisal has not been prepared in respect of these Regulations.