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Dog ownership in Wales under review
Dachshund on lead
The review will also assess the effectiveness of existing dog control legislation.
Report will recommend how to encourage responsible dog ownership

RSPCA Cymru is set to lead a review of responsible dog ownership in Wales. It is expected to make recommendations on how to raise awareness of the responsibilities of owning a dog, particularly in areas with high numbers of dog attacks.

Rebecca Evans, the Welsh deputy minister for farming and food, asked the charity to undertake this independent review, which is expected to report in early autumn. The Dogs Trust in Wales will also get involved, as well as vets, local authorities and other interested parties.

The deputy minister said she is particularly interested in recommendations on how to raise awareness of responsible dog ownership among children and young people "as they have a long term role to play in driving up animal welfare standards."

The review will also assess the effectiveness of existing dog control legislation.

Welcoming the opportunity, RSPCA Cymru's head of external affairs Claire Lawson, said: "The welfare of dogs and community safety issues are integral to resolving irresponsible dog ownership.

"This review will provide an important opportunity to build on the strong record we have in Wales in regards to enhancing dog welfare."

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.