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Minister issues stark warning to animal owners
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"The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that all animals in Wales have a high standard of health and welfare."

Breaches of Animal Health Act 'will not be tolerated'

Anyone failing in their duties to meet the health and welfare needs of their animals will be prosecuted, a Welsh minister has warned.

The warning follows the publication of a report by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) which looked into the number of prosecutions taken under the Animal Health Act 1981. The report revealed that in 2014 there were 11 convictions in Wales, culminating in over £68,000 in fines and associated costs.

Rebecca Evans, Welsh deputy minister for farming and food said:  “High standards of animal health and welfare help to sustain a profitable and professional farming industry. These convictions are isolated cases and the vast majority of animal owners take their responsibilities seriously.

"However, any breaches of the Animal Health Act will not be tolerated and we will work with local authorities and APHA to take action where possible against anyone who fails to meet the health needs of their animals."

“The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that all animals in Wales have a high standard of health and welfare," Rebecca added

"Last year, I launched our new Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework which is building on nine years of work following devolution of powers in this area. In 2006 we gave Local Authorities more powers to prosecute individuals for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006."

Anyone who has concerns that farmed animals are not receiving adequate care should contact the Local Authority Trading Standards Department.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.