5. Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs: Companion Animal Welfare

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:48 pm on 19 June 2018.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 4:48, 19 June 2018

Thank you, Bethan Sayed, for those questions. I absolutely recognise that you would be disappointed. I did stress that I'd only had the draft report and I will bring forward a substantive response to that piece of work before summer recess, probably in the form of a written statement, but I know you've taken a keen interest in the animal offender register, so I absolutely understand why you want to see the evidence. As I say, I've only had the draft report, but there was some positive actions—there were several positive actions, actually—within the report that I think are worthy of further work, so that piece of work will be undertaken now, and, as I say, I do commit to bringing a full, substantive response before the summer recess.

I, just today, discussed the link between people who abuse animals and domestic abuse with the violence against women national advisors. I also had a presentation from Dr Freda Scott-Park. She is doing significant work with veterinary practices to ensure that, where they see non-accidental injury of animals—that perhaps there is a link with domestic abuse. So, there is a big piece of work right across the UK being done, but I think—. You know, I have to listen to what the task and finish group have said, but there are other things that we can bring forward aside from the register.

You asked about the code of practice in relation to game birds, and I've agreed with DEFRA and the other devolved administrations that we'll work together to review and revise the code of practice. I don't have a timeline for that specifically, but there is a commitment that we will do that. If you want to send me a letter around the group that you want me to meet, I'd be very happy to look at that, diary permitting.

I haven't had a specific conversation with the Minister for housing around landlords, but I think it is obviously something that we need to consider. I heard you say that you'd mentioned it to the Minister, and I'll certainly pick up on that.

In relation to online selling—and I'm sorry I didn't answer Paul Davies's question about that—I was actually shocked at the amount of purchasing of pets online that goes on, and I've asked officials to look at this. You're right; it's not regulated, it's not monitored in the way that we would want. So, that is a piece of work that we need to do, and unfortunately, there is a market for it, and that market, even just in the two years I've been in post, seems to have increased, which is obviously of concern.