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New Welsh dog breeding regulations come into force
The requirements will include the introduction of a minimum staff ratio of one attendant for every 20 adult dogs.
Regulations set to improve dog welfare in Wales

Dog breeders in Wales are reminded that new breeding regulations come into force today.

The Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) regulations 2014 are part of a package of measures aimed at improving dog welfare in Wales. The requirements will include the introduction of a minimum staff ratio of one attendant for every 20 adult dogs.

Rebecca Evans, Welsh deputy minister for farming and food, said: "Last Summer I made a commitment to improve the standards of animal health and welfare in Wales for both farmed animals and pets when I launched the Animal Health and Welfare Framework. Since then we have been working on a number of measures with partners to raise the standards of dog welfare in Wales.

“Tomorrow [30 April] , new dog breeding regulations come into force aimed at stamping out any irresponsible breeding practices in Wales. Local Authorities and the WLGA will play a crucial role in ensuring that these regulations are implemented by breeders.

“I made a commitment that my officials would hold a training event for local authority enforcement officers and this was held last month.  I am also aware that local authorities held a separate training/best practice event last week.”

The new law will apply to breeders who keep more than three breeding bitches.  Among other requirements, breeders must create socialisation pals for puppies, as well as enhancement and enrichment programmes for all dogs under their care.

Councillor Neil Moore, WLGA spokesperson for regulatory services said: "Local Authorities across Wales have come together to discuss how to implement the new regulations fairly and consistently. We share the Ministers view that welfare standards for animals are extremely important, and Councils' roles are central to achieving this.

“The regulations will provide an opportunity for raising standards in the industry, where on occasion, improvement may be necessary. Licensing officers will be able to discuss the requirements of the regulations with any breeder who wants advice about the changes, and we would encourage them to do that."

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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.