English and Welsh Police Law Explained
Jul 14, 2026 · 10 min · 6 segments
In this weeks episode we look at animal search and seizure powers under the Animal Welfare and Dangerous Dogs Acts. Today's legislation can be found at…
Powers of Entry Section 18 and 19 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 work together to protect animals that are suffering or are at risk of suffering.
Section 18 gives police the power to take immediate action when they reasonably believe that a protected animal is suffering.
This can include providing treatment, arranging veterinary care, taking the animal into possession or moving it to a place of safety.
However, they cannot destroy an animal under this power alone unless the specific legal conditions for humane destruction are met.
Section 18 also sets out the circumstances in which an animal may be humanely destroyed or removed from its owner.
Normally, a vet must certify that the animal is suffering to such an extent that destruction is in its own interests, or that it should be taken into possession because it is suffering or is likely to suffer if the circumstances do not change.
In genuine emergencies where waiting for a vet would cause unnecessary suffering, a constable may act without a veterinary certificate if there is no reasonable alternative and immediate action is necessary.
The section also allows for dependent animal offspring to be removed with their parents, permits animals to be cared for either on site or elsewhere, requires owners to be informed as soon as practicable, and makes it a criminal offence to intentionally obstruct police acting within these powers.
However, it's section 19 that provides the legislation for constables to enter premises in order to undertake the actions for section 18.
They may enter a premises if they reasonably believe that a protected animal is present and is suffering or likely to suffer if the circumstances do not change.
If it is apparent to them that urgent action is required, reasonable force may be used to enter non-dwelling properties where necessary to prevent further suffering prior to a warrant being gained.
However, this power does not extend to parts of premises used as private dwellings.
Where there is no immediate emergency, Section 19 requires the police to obtain a warrant from a magistrate before entering, particularly where access cannot be otherwise gained.
If the police do need to enter to arrest the suspect, Section 17 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, which covers powers of entry, are also extended to certain animal welfare offences under Section 24 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Powers of Entry Section 18 and 19 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 work together to protect animals that are suffering or are at risk of suffering.
Section 18 gives police the power to take immediate action when they reasonably believe that a protected animal is suffering.
This can include providing treatment, arranging veterinary care, taking the animal into possession or moving it to a place of safety.
However, they cannot destroy an animal under this power alone unless the specific legal conditions for humane destruction are met.
Section 18 also sets out the circumstances in which an animal may be humanely destroyed or removed from its owner.
Normally, a vet must certify that the animal is suffering to such an extent that destruction is in its own interests, or that it should be taken into possession because it is suffering or is likely to suffer if the circumstances do not change.
In genuine emergencies where waiting for a vet would cause unnecessary suffering, a constable may act without a veterinary certificate if there is no reasonable alternative and immediate action is necessary.
The section also allows for dependent animal offspring to be removed with their parents, permits animals to be cared for either on site or elsewhere, requires owners to be informed as soon as practicable, and makes it a criminal offence to intentionally obstruct police acting within these powers.
However, it's section 19 that provides the legislation for constables to enter premises in order to undertake the actions for section 18.
They may enter a premises if they reasonably believe that a protected animal is present and is suffering or likely to suffer if the circumstances do not change.
If it is apparent to them that urgent action is required, reasonable force may be used to enter non-dwelling properties where necessary to prevent further suffering prior to a warrant being gained.
However, this power does not extend to parts of premises used as private dwellings.
Where there is no immediate emergency, Section 19 requires the police to obtain a warrant from a magistrate before entering, particularly where access cannot be otherwise gained.
If the police do need to enter to arrest the suspect, Section 17 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, which covers powers of entry, are also extended to certain animal welfare offences under Section 24 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
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