Appointment and powers of inspectors
3(1)The Minister may appoint persons to be inspectors for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act and the regulations.
3(2)For the purpose of ascertaining the existence of a prescribed disease, an inspector may at any reasonable time
(a)
enter and search any place where the inspector has reason to believe that flocks of poultry or hatching eggs are present;
(b)
stop and search any vehicle or equipment where the inspector has reason to believe that flocks of poultry or hatching eggs are present;
(c)
seize and detain flocks of poultry or hatching eggs, vehicles or equipment containing poultry or hatching eggs or containers when the inspector has reason to believe that they contain or did contain poultry or hatching eggs, until such time as an investigation can be made to ascertain the existence of a prescribed disease;
(d)
carry out tests and investigations to ascertain the existence of a prescribed disease;
(e)
require the production for inspection of all books, records or other documents pertaining to poultry, hatching eggs or the disposition of them.
3(3)An inspector acting under subsection (2) may request the assistance of a peace officer.
3(4)Before an inspector enters and searches any place under paragraph (2)(
a), he or she shall make a reasonable effort to obtain permission to enter and search from the person the inspector believes to be the owner of that place.
3(5)When permission has not been forthcoming under subsection (4), an inspector may apply for an entry warrant in accordance with the
Entry Warrants Act.
3(6)An inspector shall be furnished with a certificate of his or her appointment as an inspector and, in the course of his or her duties under subsection (2), shall produce the certificate if requested to do so.
3(7)The owner or person in charge of any place and every person found in that place and the owner or person in charge of the vehicle, equipment, containers or flock of poultry or hatchery eggs shall do the following:
(a)
give an inspector all reasonable assistance in the owner’s or person’s power to enable the inspector to carry out his or her duties and functions under this Act and the regulations; and
(b)
furnish the inspector with the information with respect to the administration of this Act and the regulations that the inspector may reasonably require.
3(8)No person shall obstruct or hinder an inspector in the carrying out of his or her duties or functions under this Act or the regulations.
3(9)No person shall knowingly make a false or misleading statement either verbally or in writing to an inspector engaged in carrying out his or her duties or functions under this Act or the regulations.
1981, c.61, s.2; 1986, c.6, s.35