MS, Cabinet Minister for
Rural Resilience and Sustainability: Today, I am announcing my
intention to publish a White Paper consultation on 21 September
2026 on proposals for a Wild Animal Welfare (Wales) Bill.
Wales has a proud record of promoting high standards of animal
welfare. As our understanding of animal welfare and public
expectations continue to evolve, it is important that our
legislative framework keeps pace where there is evidence that
improvements can be made.
The forthcoming White Paper will seek views on two targeted
proposals intended to address specific animal welfare concerns
relating to seals and hare in Wales.
The first proposal would create a new offence of intentionally or
recklessly disturbing seals. Wales supports an important breeding
population of grey seals, forming part of a UK population of
international importance, with breeding sites that are readily
accessible to the public. The proposal would address a gap in the
current legislative framework and provide protection for seals
from harm caused by intentional or reckless disturbance.
The second proposal would establish a statutory close season for
hare, thereby addressing an anomaly in the current law. Unlike
other game species, hare have no statutory close season and may
currently be killed, injured or taken throughout the year,
including during their breeding season. The proposal for a close
season would protect hare, including breeding females and their
young, when they are at their most vulnerable.
Although these proposals concern different species and
environments, they are united by a common objective: reducing
avoidable harm to wild animals and reflecting our commitment to
maintaining high standards of animal welfare in Wales.
These targeted measures will enable us to act now on clear and
specific animal welfare concerns in relation to seals and hare.
They sit alongside wider work to bring together, simplify and
modernise wildlife legislation in Wales, so that it is more
accessible, coherent and effective.
The consultation on the proposals for seals and hare coursing
will open on 21 September 2026 and close at midnight on 19
October 2026. The consultation documents will be available via
the Wild Animal Welfare White
Paperwebpage. It will not be live until the consultation
opens.
I am announcing these proposals in advance of the consultation
opening so that stakeholders and interested parties have as much
notice as possible of the issues on which we will be seeking
views. My officials will also be engaging with a wide range of
stakeholders ahead of publication to ensure they are aware of the
forthcoming consultation and have an opportunity to prepare their
responses.
I encourage anyone with an interest in animal welfare, wildlife
management and conservation, farming and land management,
fishing, other coastal and marine activities, and enforcement, to
engage with the consultation when it opens. The views received
will help inform the future development of these proposals and
any subsequent legislation.
This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members
informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or
to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be
happy to do so.
