Dog breeding practices to be strengthened in Wales

A commitment has been made by the Welsh Labour Government that will improve welfare standards for dogs at breeding premises in Wales.

Wrexham’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths brought forward the proposals in her role as the Minister for Environment, Energy & Rural Affairs.

Ms Griffiths outlined that immediate action will be taken to strengthen how the law is applied across Wales and reconfirmed the Welsh Government will take forward Lucy’s Law and ban third party puppy and kitten sales.

The measures have been announced as a review of the existing Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales Regulations 2014) by 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.

The Wrexham AM said: “We all want to see the highest welfare standards for animals in Wales so I am pleased commitments have been initiated and certain recommendations can be delivered swiftly 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.”