Welsh Kennel Club Has Its Say
The Welsh Kennel Club has welcomed the chance to have its say to Assembly officials on draft proposals for revised dog breeding legislation, the next step in the fight for improved puppy breeding regulations in Wales.
At a meeting of Welsh stakeholders, held on 14th September, Alan Fall, the vice-chairman of the Welsh Kennel Club, brought various issues to the attention of the Welsh Assembly Animal Welfare Policy officials, relating to the enforcement and subsequent funding of the proposed tough new regulation.
The meeting comes after the newly appointed Environment Minister, John Griffiths AM, outlined plans for officials to "have discussions with interested parties to identify their concerns and proposals and, where relevant, consider these in new draft legislation."
Mr Fall said: "Whilst we recognise the obvious need to improve the reputation Wales has obtained in regards to puppy farming, the officials have made it quite clear that there is no funding available for new legislation. If it is to be at all successful, mechanisms must be put in place to ensure the responsible breeder is not stonewalled by excessive regulation. This may simply stop responsible breeders from producing litters altogether, further pushing people to puppy farmers who work outside the law anyway."
The revised legislative proposals, to be consulted on this autumn, will follow further focus group work. In the meantime, the Kennel Club and Welsh Kennel Club will continue working with the Welsh Assembly to offer their guidance and expertise on the breeding of dogs.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
