Better Dog Welfare in Wales
The announcement follows a report by an expert Task and Finish Group, including representatives from both BVA and BSAVA, which reviewed the current legislation and made recommendations to the Government.
The Minister announced:
- the redrafting of dog licensing conditions for dog breeding establishments to include a maximum ratio of 20 dogs to one full time attendant;
- the tightening of qualifying criteria for licensing, including the reduction of the number of breeding bitches from five or more to three or more;
- the compulsory microchipping of all breeding dogs in licensed premises and all puppies from these premises prior to sale or homing;
- statutory guidance to incorporate the five welfare needs (or ‘five freedoms’) under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to enable compliance with licensing requirements; and
- future consideration of expanding the Code of Practice on the Welfare of Dogs to include more detail on dog breeding
Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones said: “Pets are an important element of our society and ownership gives much pleasure, as well as associated responsibilities. The devolution of animal welfare powers to Welsh Ministers under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 has provided opportunities for us to make a real difference. It’s about improving standards and preventing suffering – prevention is better than cure, which is a principle of our overarching Animal Health and Welfare Strategy.”
The new legislation has been warmly welcomed by the BVA, BSAVA and other associations such as the Kennel Club.
Commenting, Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, said: “This is fantastic news and a huge stride towards better welfare for dogs and puppies in Wales. The veterinary profession has been making the case for compulsory microchipping of all dogs before the first change of owner to improve traceability and we are absolutely delighted that the Minister has clearly listened to this call. “It is incredibly encouraging that these proposals have been made by a group from across industry, local government, the welfare charities, and the veterinary profession. Tackling puppy farming will require all of us to continue working together.”
The Kennel Club however, did also express some anxieties. Caroline Kisko commented, that despite the multiple benefits of the legislation “we are very concerned that the Rural Affairs minister is suggesting that a bad breeder can be measured by the number of bitches that they have alone. Good husbandry and welfare standards absolutely must be our primary concern if we are to avoid the situation where good breeders are penalised, and Local Authority resources are wasted, whilst bad breeders continue to roam free. That is why we ask the Welsh Assembly to provide relief to those breeders who are members of a breeding scheme that is properly accredited and which already sets high standards in terms of health testing and welfare requirements, such as the Kennel Club Accredited Breeder Scheme*.”
The Kennel Club is also concerned that some of the regulations, for example those which outline the need for all dogs to have activity feeders and the number of attendants per dog, are too prescriptive and do not take into account the individual needs of different dog breeds. Mrs Kisko added: “Whilst much of the guidance is sound and very well intentioned it has to be remembered that every dog and every breed is different. For example, whilst activity feeders might work for some dogs it can encourage destructive behaviour.”
“Compulsory microchipping is another proposal which the Kennel Club supports in essence but it should be remembered that there is disagreement, even in the veterinary profession, about how suitable this is for puppies of some smaller breeds and so provision should be made for some exceptions.”
The new legislation will be fully consulted on during a 12 week period.
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.
