Proposals to improve animal welfare published
Cyhoeddi cynigion i wella lles anifeiliaid
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 Lesley Griffiths 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).