Legislation

The Prevention of Damage by Rabbits Act 1939

The use of gases and rabbit proof fences to control rabbits.

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The Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932

Under this Act the importation or keeping of non-indigenous animal can be prohibited, except under licence.

The animals currently listed in Orders made under the Act are the Muskrat, Grey Squirrel, non European rabbits i.e. those other than Oryctalagus cuniculas, Mink and Coypu. Releasing or allowing any of these species to escape into the wild is prohibited.

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Food and Environment Protection Act 1985

It provides for the making and control of pesticides with a view to protecting the health of human beings from creatures and plants Safeguarding the environment. Secure safe efficient and humane methods of controlling pests.

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Prevention of Damage By Pests Act 1949

Every Local Authority is responsible for securing, as far as possible, that its district is kept free from rats and mice and in particular:-

To carry out periodical inspections of their areas, including agricultural land.

To destroy rats and mice on Land occupied by the Authority.

To enforce duties under the Act of owners and occupiers of Land Health Service and Public Health Act 1968.

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The Environmental Protection Act 1990

This Act encompasses a good deal of previous legislation on matters concerning the protection of the environment. The protection is widespread and varied from the use of audible birds near residential areas to the disposal of pesticides near water.

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Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986

Under this regulation only approved pesticides may be advertised, supplied, stored or used.

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Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

This Act places responsibility and duties on employers, manufacturers, employees and others with the regard to the health, safety and welfare of people at work, protecting other people against risks to health and safety arising from activities of people at work, controlling and keeping and use of dangerous substances and preventing their unlawful acquisition, possession and use.

Where reasonably practicable, it will pay particular attention to the provision and maintenance of:

(i)     A safe place of work, safe access to it and safe exit from it;

(ii) Plant, equipment and systems of work that are safe;

(iii) Safe arrangements for the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances;

(v) Sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision to enable all employees to avoid risk and contribute positively to safety and health at work;

(vii) A healthy working environment;

(viii) All employees have a responsibility to exercise personal care and attention for the safety of themselves and others and to co-operate with their employer in the execution of this policy.

(ix) In the discharge of this responsibility employees shall:- perform their duties in a safe manner and pay particular attention to the Sectional safety Procedures;

(x) Report all accidents and injuries to their supervisor as soon as possible;

(xi) Obtain adequate treatment as soon as practicable if injured;

(xii) Report all defects in equipment and protective clothing and potential hazards to their Supervisor;

(xiii) Assist in the investigation of injuries and accidents;

(xiv) Observe all the safety rules of the Board.

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The Management of Health and Safety Work Regulations 992 MHSWR

These regulations made under the Health and Safety Act 1974, are concerned with the safe working practices of employers. Whilst cosh regulations deal with substances used in workplace, MHSWR cover the whole work activity.

(i) To carry out a risk assessment of all jobs carried out by employees;

(ii) Employers to provide health surveillance. Appointment of Safety representatives;

(iii) Employers to provide information to the dangers and safety measures to be taken;

(iv) Employees must use the safety measures provided;

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The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999

The approved Codes of Practice on the Safe use of pesticides for non-agricultural purposes, published by the Health and Safety Commission.

(i) Assessments of Health Risks;

(ii) Prevention of Control of Exposure;

(iii) Use of control measures;

(iv) Maintenance, Examination and Test of Control Measures;

(v) Monitoring Exposure at the workplace;

(vi) Health Surveillance;

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The Protection of Animals Act 1911

This Act provides general protection for all domestic and captive animals and makes it an offence to do or omit to do anything likely to cause suffering.

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Public Health Act 1936 – 1961

Local authorities are given powers and responsibilities with regard to verminous premises. In the 1936 Act vermin is given the following meaning. “In its application to insects and parasites including their eggs, larvae and pupae”. Among other provisions a local authority may serve a notice requiring the removal of wall pape or other covering to walls and taking necessary action for destroying or remove vermin. Provision is also made for the use of fumigation for destroying vermin.

Local authorities have the power to serve notices to remove material or rubbish.

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Measure against infected rats

Where local authority or port health authority has reason to believe that rats are threatened by or infected with plague or are dying in unusual numbers they must take measures for destroying all rats in their district and for preventing rats from gaining entry to buildings.

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Animals in Cages or Traps

Animals including birds confined to a cage or trap must be provided with food and water.

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Inspection of spring Traps

Spring traps set for Rabbits and Hares must be inspected at least once a day between sunrise and sunset.

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Food Safety Act 1995

This Act requires Food premises or business to practice high standard of food safety in many different areas. Generally, food premises must be constructed so that there is no cross contamination by pests. In rooms where food is prepared, treated or processes, windows which can be opened to the outside environment must where necessary be fitted with insect proof screens, which can be removed for cleaning. Refuse stroes must be designed and managed is such a way to enable them to be protected against pests. In all food premises adequate procedures must be in place to ensure pests are controlled.