MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet
Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: Today, I am
pleased to set out the Welsh Government's response to our
consultation on the licensing of animal welfare establishments,
activities, and exhibits. This marks a significant milestone in
our commitment to improving animal welfare standards across
Wales.
We are moving forward with a ban on greyhound racing in Wales. As
announced earlier this year, we are establishing an
Implementation Group to guide this transition, ensuring the
welfare of racing dogs and supporting affected communities.
Legislation to deliver this commitment will be brought forward in
the autumn.
We will take a phased approach to introducing a national model
for the regulation of animal welfare, working closely with
stakeholders, operational agencies, industry and the third
sector. Our focus will be on areas where regulation can deliver
the greatest benefit, informed by the evidence and views
submitted during the consultation.
We will begin by developing proposals for the regulation of
animal welfare establishments, including rescues, sanctuaries,
rehabilitation and rehoming centres following clear feedback from
the consultation. We recognise the need for consistent,
proportionate, and enforceable standards to protect animal health
and welfare, and support the positive work undertaken to prevent
wrongdoing and mistreatment.
In the area of animal activities, we will consider pet grooming
as a secondary phase of the national model. This skilled and
specialist activity is widespread but currently unregulated, with
over 500 pet groomers estimated to be in operation in Wales.
I acknowledge the arguments for regulating other activities under
a national model. We will continue to monitor and gather evidence
where necessary, for potential inclusion in future phases of a
national model.
We will maintain a watching brief on animal exhibits. While views
were mixed, we remain open to future re-evaluation as part of our
phased approach and do not ignore calls for regulatory reform or
prohibition.
Finally, we recognise that effective enforcement is essential.
That is why we have extended funding for our local authority
enforcement project, Animal Licensing Wales, enabling their
award-winning work to continue.
Together, these steps demonstrate our commitment to deliver
continued improvements to animal welfare in Wales. I am confident
that our national model for regulation, together with effective
enforcement, will affect real and positive change for thousands
of animals.
