Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013

Power of Minister to revoke or refuse licence.

68.—(1) The Minister may, at any time, revoke or refuse to grant a licence if the Minister is satisfied that—

(a) the holder of, or applicant for, a licence is guilty of any offence under this Act, or

(b) there has been a contravention (whether by commission or omission) of a regulation made under this Act or under the European Communities Act 1972 (which applies to the business of an animal mart or other activity or event) or of a condition attached to the licence.

(2) Before revoking or refusing a licence the Minister shall—

(a) notify, in writing, the holder of, or applicant for, the licence of the intention to revoke or refuse the licence and of the reasons for the revocation or refusal,

(b) notify, in writing, the holder of, or applicant for, the licence that he or she or a person acting on his or her behalf, may make representations to the Minister in relation to the intended revocation or refusal not later than 14 days from the date of issue of the notification, and

(c) consider any representations made under paragraph (b) before deciding whether or not to proceed with the revocation or refusal.

(3) Where the Minister decides to proceed with the revocation or refusal of a licence under this section, the Minister shall, by notice in writing, notify the holder of, or applicant for, the licence—

(a) of the decision and of the reasons for that decision,

(b) of the time limit within which, and of the manner in which an appeal against the revocation or refusal may, pursuant to section 69 , be made, and

(c) if the holder of the licence may continue to carry on the business of an animal mart or other activity or event.