A consultation on proposals to strengthen how animal activities
are regulated in Wales, which will improve animal welfare has
been published today.
A number of animal activities are currently not regulated, or
regulations are no longer fit for purpose.
Strengthening such licensing would enhance and protect animal
welfare, with a statutory licensing scheme setting minimum
standards which all licence holders would need to comply with,
underpinned by an inspection regime
The Licensing of Animal Welfare Establishments, Activities and
Exhibits consultation marks the first phase of the development of
a National Model to improve welfare standards and is a Programme
for Government commitment.
Areas which are currently not licensed include animal rescues and
sanctuaries, dog walking and grooming services, and dog play
parks, amongst others.
In light of the significant public interest in the welfare of
racing greyhounds, the consultation gives consideration to the
possibility of licensing owners, keepers and trainers of racing
dogs such as greyhounds. It also includes a request for
evidence to justify or negate consideration of a phased ban on
dog racing in future.
The intention at this stage is to seek public opinion on a range
of areas identified, to progress policy and develop future
proposals. Any future licensing regimes in the areas
identified would be subject to further public consultation, prior
to implementation.
Minister for Rural Affairs said: “Our long-term
ambition in Wales is for all animals to have a good life. A
National Model for the regulation of animal welfare will help
bring us closer to this goal.
“The licensing of animal-related activities would ensure the
health and welfare of the animals involved is considered at all
times, driving improvements in standards of keeping and enabling
better enforcement in those instances where things go wrong.
“A great deal of work has been carried out ahead of this
consultation to identify the activities which are currently
unlicensed, and where there are gaps in current arrangements.
“I know greyhound racing remains a hot issue and the consultation
fulfils my commitment to the Petitions Committee in including a
question on potential licensing for owners, keepers and trainers
of racing dogs, and seeking submissions of evidence for or
against consideration of a potential phased ban in future.
There are strong views on all sides, and this consultation will
help us to assess and consider all potential actions and
build a crucial evidence base before any conclusions are
drawn. Any future regulatory measures or changes must be
assessed on evidence and would be subject to further
consultation.”
The 12- week consultation is available here
Licensing of animal
welfare establishments, activities and exhibits | GOV.WALES
Notes to editors
Note
Activities included as part of the consultation are:
- a) Pet Day Care
- b) Dog Walking
- c) Dog Play Parks
- d) Home Boarding (Pets) such as kennels and catteries
- e) Pet care facilities such as animal rehabilitation or
conservation facilities, for instance, hedgehog hospitals
- f) Pet Grooming
- g) Pet Sitters
- h) Animal Trainers including animal behaviourists, training
and socialisation classes
- i) Rescue Centres
- j) Animal Sanctuaries
- k) Re-homing Centres
- l) Fostering
- m) Animal encounters such as pet therapy, cat cafes, ‘borrow
my pet’ enterprises, puppy yoga, llama/alpaca walks, pony
painting parties
- n) Mobile and Static Animal Exhibits such as birds of prey
exhibits, reptile or exotic animal exhibits/handling
- o) Owners, keepers or trainers of racing dogs, including
greyhounds.
- p) Livery Services
- q) Primates as pets
- There is currently one greyhound racing track in Wales
registered under the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB).
