Written Statement (Wales): Publication of the Summary of Responses for the Licensing of Animal Welfare Establishments, Activities and Exhibits Public Consultation - Dec 18

Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: I am pleased to announce I have today published the summary of responses following our public consultation on the Licensing of Animal Welfare Establishments, Activities and Exhibits, including racing dogs. 

The consultation launched on 08 December 2023 and closed on 01 March 2024, with 1180 responses received during this 12-week period.

Building on the earlier targeted call for evidence, together these help form the first phase of development of a national model for the regulation of animal welfare, a Programme for Government commitment.

Animal welfare is a Welsh Government priority, and I know our ambition for all animals in Wales to have a good life is one which is widely shared. Our proposals for a national model have the potential to affect real and positive progress for thousands of animals across Wales. 

I would like to thank all individuals, businesses, charities, local authorities, and organisations who took the time to consider and respond to this consultation. I also acknowledge the strength of feeling demonstrated in those responses.

This was a wide-ranging and substantial consultation, and your patience has been appreciated whilst we worked to assess the views, information and evidence submitted. This collective input will be invaluable in helping to inform and shape our future priorities. I will provide a further update regarding next steps in the spring.