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Wales’ dog breeding laws to be revisited following calls for improvements
A BBC documentary filmed over 12 months, found that poor animal welfare was still an issue in Wales.

Government estimates that local authorities will need increased funding

The Welsh Government has confirmed that it will revise dog breeding regulations in the country amid a claim that there is likely to be an increase in the funding requirements of local authorities.

Currently, anyone in Wales with three or more breeding bitches meeting certain conditions must be licensed. However, a recent documentary by the BBC revealed that poor breeding practices and welfare concerns are still an issue, even at approved sites.

Following a report on dog breeding published by the Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group, the Welsh Government asserted that breeding laws need to be reexamined, and that local authorities will likely need additional funding in order to enforce animal welfare legislation.

The RSPCA's assistant director for external relations in Wales, Claire Lawson said: "Wales' new dog breeding laws, passed in 2014, marked a big step forward for animal welfare - but the RSPCA has long highlighted that further improvements are necessary.

"It's really welcome that the Welsh Government are looking again at these laws, and that the Minister described this as urgent.

"We'll continue to campaign for more emphasis on tackling genetic issues at breeding establishments, a staff-to-dog ratio that better considers welfare, and possible action to tackle bad cat breeding practices too.

"However, what is really important is that local authorities feel equipped and resourced to enforce animal welfare laws - including on dog breeding, microchipping, equine control and so much else…so the Welsh Government's acknowledgement that more funding will likely be needed is also a hugely positive development."

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.