Joyce says “Protect our puppies”

A local Assembly Member has lobbied for better protection for dogs and puppies.

Some unscrupulous breeders now sell their dogs online in an attempt to avoid having to reach animal welfare standards and other regulations.

Some of these dogs are raised in poor conditions and intensively bred, causing pain and distress.

Mid and West Wales AM Joyce Watson spoke up for the welfare of Welsh puppies and dogs during a debate in the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay today.

She raised the issue of online sales of puppies and dogs with the First Minister on 13 February 2018.

Speaking in the Senedd, she said:

“In recent years the sale of puppies and dogs online has been a real cause for concern, with many sick animals being sold to unsuspecting buyers.

“More often than not the sellers are not licenced and the welfare of animals comes second place to profit.

“The Blue Cross is calling for a ‘registration and licensing system for anyone breeding or selling animals through any means, whether it be from home to large-scale breeding establishments, pet shops and online sellers’.

“Is this something that Welsh Government may consider introducing?”

First Minister Carwyn Jones confirmed  that Welsh Government would look at this in two ways – firstly, to see whether further legislation would be necessary, and secondly to check whether enforcement of existing legislation was working.