2. Will the First Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government's plans to improve the welfare of companion animals in Cynon Valley? OAQ52482

The Wales animal health and welfare framework implementation plan sets out our priorities for animal health and welfare, and I know that the Cabinet Secretary set out plans to maintain and improve companion animal welfare in Wales in her oral statement on 21 June.

Thank you, First Minister. Tomorrow, with my colleague Eluned Morgan, I am co-sponsoring an event to raise awareness of how Lucy's law could improve animal welfare by ensuring people only get puppies from rescue centres or reputable breeders, and I'd encourage all AMs to come along. Tackling puppy farming is crucial, and many of my constituents have suffered the heartbreak of paying hundreds of pounds for a poorly pup that was bred in unacceptable conditions. During her statement on animal welfare, the Cabinet Secretary said that getting a puppy from the right source is the first fundamental step towards being a responsible owner. So, how is the Welsh Government promoting this, and when can we expect an update on discussions on introducing a ban on third-party sales?

Well, the updated welfare code for dogs will be laid before the Assembly before the summer recess. It will remind owners of their responsibilities when looking after and sourcing their dog or puppy. Regarding the specific issue of third-party sales, I know the Cabinet Secretary is attending the Lucy's law event on Wednesday, and I'm sure this will help to inform those discussions with her. I will ask for a written statement to be published, to update Members on developments as they progress.

I do feel privileged today to be sitting next to the rescuer of the hedgehog fancier club here, Darren Millar. Anyone who's followed his Twitter feed would see the rescue mission he launched last week. But I would ask you, First Minister—. The Welsh Government commission many services in the public sector, obviously—bus services and the regulation of taxis. It is important that when people with companion dogs, in particular, seek to use those services, there is an understanding among the operators what their obligations are, and they are not turned away from use of those services. How confident are you that the regulations, and in particular the services you commission, do have the safeguards in place so that people who do need guide dogs, and other companion animals, are able to access those public services?

Well, of course, all operators are required to operate within the boundaries of the law, particularly the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. I would expect every operator to ensure that, where somebody needs the assistance of a guide dog, for example, they're able to access bus services, train services, and any other service. That is what the law would expect them to do, and that's what I think decent standards would expect them to do as well.