Mike Hedges AM backs Welsh Labour Government’s commitment to driving up welfare standards for dogs.

Mike Hedges AM backs Welsh Labour Government’s commitment to driving up welfare standards for dogs.
Mike Hedges AM is backing a commitment by the Welsh Labour Government to improve welfare standards for dogs at breeding premises in Wales.
Welsh Labour’s Minister for the Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths has said she will act immediately to strengthen how the law is applied across Wales.
And she re-confirmed the Welsh Government will take forward Lucy’s Law and ban third party puppy and kitten sales.
It comes as a review of the existing Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales Regulations 2014) by the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group, called for:
• Greater consistency in the inspection and enforcement of breeding regulations
• A review of the licensing process, including application of a staff to adult dog ratio appropriate to the breeding premises
• The need for better welfare standards for all breeding dogs rather than only those at licensed premises.

Mike Hedges AM said:
“I welcome the commitment made by the Welsh Labour Government to drive up the welfare standards for dogs at breeding premises – it’s something I have long campaigned for.
“We all want to see the highest welfare standards for animals in Wales. It’s good news some of the recommendations can be delivered through existing legislation.
“The combination of new regulations on pet sales and dedicated funding for enforcement and delivery of the breeding regulations will result in lasting improvements to the welfare standards of puppies bred in Wales.”
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NOTES:
1. To deliver improvements and consistency in the inspection and enforcement of the breeding regulations, which is undertaken by Local Authorities, a scoping project has been set up to determine what additional resource is needed.
2. Once completed, funding for a three year pilot scheme will be provided. This will enable expertise to be built through specialist training and upskilling of dedicated Local Authority staff.
3. The Welsh Government statement is available at: https://gov.wales/written-statement-animal-welfare-dog-breeding-wales-regulations-2014-review