123Construction of hives

123 Construction of hives

(1) A person must not keep bees or permit bees to be kept in a hive—

(a) which does not have moveable frames which may be separately and readily removed from the hive to allow examination of the honeycomb;

(b) from which the honeycomb cannot be readily removed without cutting or tearing;

(c) which cannot be readily handled for inspection.

(2) If, in the opinion of an inspector, any hive does not comply with subsection (1), the inspector may order—

(a) that the bees be transferred to another hive within any reasonable time that the inspector specifies in the order; or

(b) that the hive or any honeycomb or frame in the hive be adjusted as specified by the inspector within the time specified in the order.

(3) If at the end of the time specified in the order, an inspector is satisfied that the directions in the order have not been complied with the inspector may, at the expense of the owner, cause the bees to be transferred or destroyed.

(4) If the estimated expense under subsection (3) exceeds $3000 the inspector must first obtain the approval of the Minister.