Section 2A Power of justice of the peace to authorise entry and searchF1E1
England and Wales
Subsection (2) applies if, on an application made by a constable, a justice of the peace is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing—
that an offence under section 1 has been committed, and
that the dog in respect of which the offence has been committed is on premises specified in the application.
The justice of the peace may issue a warrant authorising a constable to enter and search the premises in order to—
identify the dog,
seize and detain the dog under section 2, or
take a sample or impression from the dog under section 2ZA.
Subsection (4) applies if, on an application made by a constable, a justice of the peace is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing—
that an offence under section 1 has been committed, and
that anything that may be evidence of that offence could be on premises specified in the application.
The justice of the peace may issue a warrant authorising a constable to enter and search the premises in order to seize any evidence of that offence that may be found.
A warrant under this section may authorise the constable executing it to use reasonable force if necessary.
Annotations
Textual amendments
- F1
S. 2A substituted (E.W.) (18.3.2026) by Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 (c. 32), ss. 4, 5(2) (with s. 5(3))
Extent
- E1
This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only. A separate version has been created for Scotland only.