Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

The presumption of ownership could cause confusion and the provision could be open to all sorts of interpretations, both legal and otherwise. Section 56 states, "In proceedings for an offence under this Act an animal, animal product, animal feed or other thing is presumed, unless the contrary is shown, to be owned by the occupier or person in charge of the land or premises ...". I assume it would be proved before the matter ended up in a court of law. It would be up to the authorised officer to liaise with the persons involved. That is the only way it could work in practical terms.