Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order makes provision for the periodical treatment of all sheep in Great Britain by effective dipping for the prevention of sheep scab, subject to certain exceptions (article 3). In addition the Order—

(a)

requires the owner or person in charge of sheep at the end of the dipping period to make and furnish a declaration as to dipping to the local authority (article 4);

(b)

subject to certain exceptions, prohibits the movement of sheep other than to or from a market, exhibition or show unless the sheep is accompanied by a declaration made in appropriate form by the owner of the sheep or his agent (article 5);

(c)

prohibits the holding of markets and movement of sheep to or from markets, exhibitions or shows unless a declaration in appropriate form has been made by the owner of the sheep or his agent, or the auctioneer or person in charge of the exhibition or show in respect of movement from a market and such declaration accompanies the sheep throughout the movement (article 6);

(d)

provides for the approval of premises for the temporary holding of slaughter sheep and imposes restrictions on the movement of sheep to or from those premises (article 7).

The Order also contains provisions concerning—

(a)

the separation, during movement, of dipped sheep from other sheep and the keeping and production of declarations (article 8);

(b)

the powers of inspectors to—

(i)

enter premises, examine sheep and supervise dipping (article 9);

(ii)

mark sheep for identification purposes (article 10);

(iii)

require permission to take samples of sheep dip, dipping bath and fleece of sheep (article 11);

(iv)

take action in default (article 12).