First Minister announces new dog welfare laws for Wales

The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, has confirmed that the Welsh Government will introduce new dog breeding legislation to enhance animal welfare and tackle bad practice among some dog breeding establishments, commonly known as puppy farms this autumn.

 

 

The First Minister confirmed the news on a visit to Dogs Trust’ re-homing centre in Bridgend earlier today, where he met another Carwyn – a puppy named in his honour. He used the visit to reiterate the Welsh Government’s commitment to improving standards of animal health and welfare in Wales.

Environment Minister, John Griffiths, announced the Welsh Government’s intention to consult on new legislation earlier this year. In recent years, the Welsh Government has led the way on animal welfare by becoming the first nation in the UK to introduce a ban on the use of electronic shock collars on dogs and cats.

In July, a dog owner from Ogmore became the first to be prosecuted for using an illegal electric shock collar under the new regulations. The individual was fined £2,000 by local magistrates with a £1,000 costs.

The First Minister said: “I’m delighted to be able to visit Dogs Trust to see for myself the excellent work the Trust does in caring for and protecting dogs from all kinds of cruelty, mistreatment and neglect.

“Dogs Trust have been extremely supportive of the action we have taken in recent years to improve the standard of animal welfare in Wales. “I initially announced our intention to ban the use of electronic shock collars as Environment Minister in 2006. I’m delighted that Wales has led the way in banning their use.”

The revised legislative proposals, to be consulted on this autumn, will follow further focus group work. Their intention is to raise standards of health and welfare for puppies born in Wales, and also for breeding dogs.

These improved standards will aim to produce puppies that are both healthy and well adjusted to their future life as companion animals. The proposals include: tightening the thresholds where a dog breeding licence is required; defining a staff to dog ratio; introducing compulsory microchipping of puppies prior to sale from licensed breeding premises; recognising the need for behaviour and socialisation of animals to be taken account of in the licensing requirements to meet the obligations in the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Carwyn Jones said: “I am determined to take action to tackle any bad practice in the dog breeding industry. We will be bringing forward new legislation to ensure that irresponsible breeding in so called “puppy farms” is brought to an end.

“We aim to bring forward revised legislation for further consultation by the National Assembly this autumn.”