Commentary on Sections Part 3 - Animals in Distress Section 18 - Powers of entry for section 17 purposes
This section confers powers of entry for the purposes of section 17. It authorises an inspector or constable to enter onto premises to deal with a protected animal that is believed to be suffering or likely to suffer if remedial action is not taken. Power of entry does not extend to a private dwelling unless a warrant is first obtained from a lay magistrate. Strict conditions must be met to satisfy the issue of a warrant. Schedule 3 provides safeguards in connection with powers of entry under warrant.
On the rare occasion when urgent entry is required before a warrant can be obtained this section authorises the use of reasonable force to effect entry, except to a private dwelling, without a warrant, for example if an animal is suffering in a vehicle where it would be inappropriate to delay.