RSPCA Cymru welcomes new Animal Welfare Plan
RSPCA Cymru says the bovine TB plan should be focused on cattle-based measures, not badger culling.
RSPCA Cymru has supported the Welsh Government’s commitment to a new Animal Welfare Plan for the nation.
The plans were announced as part of the Plaid Cymru administration’s Programme for Government 2026-2030, which was published on 22 September. It sets out a commitment for a ‘renewed and science-led’ Animal Welfare Plan that addresses the welfare of companion animals and farmed animals.
RSPCA Cymru is hopeful that the Animal Welfare Plan will be ‘wide-ranging’, with better regulation for animal welfare establishments such as sanctuaries, rescues and rehoming centres. As part of this, it says that local authorities must be equipped with the resources to do the job.
The charity has also called for improved standards on dog and cat breeding, better legislation on dog theft, a ban on primates as pets, and mandatory microchipping for cats.
The Welsh Government has also said it will be evolving the Sustainable Farming Scheme, a move which RSPCA Cymru says is needed.
David Bowles, RSPCA head of campaigns and public affairs, said: "We've long said the Welsh Government's Agriculture (Wales) Act offered a major opportunity to improve farmed animal welfare. Proper incentives for farmers to deliver higher standards will be key to realising that potential.”
However, with the Welsh Government introducing a new Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Plan, the charity has urged the government against ‘backsliding on badger culling’.
Research from the RSPCA found that 46 per cent of people in Wales opposed badger culling, compared to 27 per cent that actively supported it. Ninety-eight per cent of people in Wales said protecting wildlife was important to them, with badgers one of the most popular species.
Mr Bowles said: "We strongly urge that the approach to tackling devastating bovine TB focuses on cattle-based measures rather than killing badgers unnecessarily. With the relevant Technical Advisory Group currently reviewing evidence in relation to wildlife and bovine TB, it's vital this work is completed before any decisions are made.
“Any new commitments to animal welfare will be hollow if we see backsliding on Wales' opposition to unnecessary badger culling."
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
