Animal welfare is a priority for the Welsh Government and the Wales animal health and welfare framework group. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, there is a duty of care on all owners and keepers of animals to ensure their welfare needs are met, whether on a permanent or temporary basis. We will not tolerate the ill treatment of animals, and those who commit the worst acts of cruelty should face tough punishments. This is why we have agreed to work with the UK Government to increase the maximum sentence for animal cruelty offences from six months to five years. We are also working with the UK Government and other devolved administrations to ensure animals are recognised as sentient after we leave the EU. Our position is clear: we fully agree animals are sentient beings and the possibility of that not being reflected in legislation is a concern.

In 2016, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Cymru made a case for the introduction of an animal offender register in Wales. A task and finish group was established and engagement with stakeholders undertaken. Careful consideration of the evidence was carried out and the group recently submitted its draft report to me, with the final version due by summer recess. Due to the absence of practical solutions that would enable the creation of such a register and the lack of UK-based evidence to support the impact that some stakeholders believe one would have, the group does not recommend the development of a register at this time.

I am grateful to the members of the task and finish group for carrying out this work, and in particular RSPCA Cymru, the leading third sector prosecutor of animal welfare cases in Wales. I read the recommendations of the 2014 Wooler report with interest and, in particular, the recommendation for the RSPCA inspectorate to receive statutory status under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. I have asked RSPCA Cymru to consider this recommendation and to provide me with evidence of whether it would be workable in Wales.

We've introduced a number of pieces of legislation in recent years that underline our commitment to continue improving standards of animal health and welfare in Wales. We've introduced a welfare-focused licensing scheme for licensed dog breeders and the requirement for dogs to be microchipped. We've banned the cosmetic docking of dogs' tails and the use of electronic shock collars on cats and dogs, and I am proud that Wales was the first UK nation to implement such a ban. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to raising standards of responsible animal ownership, I've asked for the microchipping regulations, which have now been in force for two years, to be reviewed. Research will be undertaken into levels of compliance and enforcement, and whether more needs to be done to ensure traceability. I've also asked for consideration to be given to whether there would be a benefit to extending the regulations to include other species, including cats. The introduction of the Welsh dog breeding regulations led the way in addressing welfare concerns at dog breeding establishments in Wales. This was the first and remains the only legislation of its kind in the UK.

In 2017, a survey carried out by local authorities, in partnership with the Welsh Government, served as an opportunity to assess the standards currently applied in Wales. Further projects under the partnership will be progressed this year. In Wales, we demand high standards from our licensed breeders and sourcing a healthy puppy that can be seen with its mother, or rehoming an animal from a reputable animal welfare establishment, is the first fundamental step towards being a responsible owner. Yet the illegal importation of puppies, driven by huge demand, continues to be a problem. We already work closely with operational partners and stakeholders to deal with illegal imports, but more needs to be done. Potential owners must be informed of the poor conditions often endured by these animals, as well as the disease risks they may pose. I believe the potential banning of third-party sales is worthy of investigation and I will be discussing options with officials. Education is a key aspect of this.

Potential and existing pet owners must consider the future when deciding whether or not to own an animal, including how to meet its welfare needs and the costs associated with doing so. However, I do understand people’s circumstances can change. I would like to explore what veterinary provision, assistance and advice is available to people who need help in caring for their pets. This could be during times of illness or emergency, such as fleeing from a violent household. I would like to see a collaborative approach, with information readily available for people when they need it. Officials will discuss how this can be approached with Animal Welfare Network Wales. 

Partnership working is a fundamental aspect of improving standards, and we are fortunate to have a knowledgeable and dedicated animal welfare sector here in Wales. Many of these organisations have worked and continue to work closely with the Welsh Government as members of the animal welfare network group. We have recently worked with the network to review our existing species-specific codes of practice, as well as supporting the development of a new, voluntary code of practice for sanctuaries. The purpose of the codes is to explain what a person needs to do to meet the standards of care the law requires. It is my intention to lay the revised codes of practice for horses and dogs before summer recess, and for a consultation on the revised cat code to commence in the autumn. I will also be asking the network to review the rabbit code, and to identify if there is a need to introduce any new codes, such as for racing greyhounds, primates and other exotic pets. 

Embedding a culture of responsible ownership cannot be achieved in isolation, and I am grateful for the dedication and passion shown towards animals in Wales. There is always more that can be done but we are proud, as a nation, to be leading the way in raising standards of animal welfare.