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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 30th April 2015
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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.