Overview

This bill amends the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847, granting local authorities in England and Wales the power to regulate or ban the shipping and unshipping of live animals through facilities they control, primarily targeting the export of animals for slaughter.

Description

The bill adds a new section (33A) to the 1847 Act. This new section allows local authorities to control the movement of live animals (excluding pets) through harbors, docks, and piers under their control. Specifically, local authorities can impose:

• Restrictions on the shipping and unshipping of live animals.
• Requirements for the handling and transport of live animals.
• Fees and charges associated with the process.

These measures can be tailored to different animal species, types, and ages. Authorities may even prohibit the shipping and unshipping entirely. The bill also clarifies that "goods," as defined in the original act, does not include live animals (except pets) in the context of local authority-controlled facilities.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to directly increase or decrease government spending. Any costs associated with implementing the new regulations would likely fall upon local authorities, potentially influencing their budgets indirectly. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Local Authorities: Gain the power to regulate or ban live animal exports from facilities under their control, potentially incurring new administrative and enforcement costs.
• Animal Welfare Groups: May benefit from increased local control over the export of animals for slaughter, potentially improving animal welfare standards.
• Farmers and Livestock Exporters: Could face restrictions or bans on exporting live animals, impacting their businesses and potentially leading to economic losses. They may also face increased costs due to new regulations and fees.
• Shipping Companies: May experience changes in their operations due to local authority regulations, potentially leading to reduced cargo or additional logistical challenges.

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