Thank you very much, Chair. Thank you to Andrew R.T. Davies for bringing forward this short debate today, and to Bethan Sayed and Angela Burns for also speaking. As Andrew referred to, I've already announced a consultation will be launched on this issue early in the new year, because I think all three speakers are absolutely right, this is something that we need to do.

I just want to clarify that this consultation will be about the third party sales of both puppies and kittens. Andrew, you mentioned breeding in the debate title, but those who breed the animals would not be third party sellers or dealers, they would be breeders, and it's really important to clarify that point. I think the fact that the title is slightly inaccurate does highlight the real complexities of this issue. 'Wales to ban commercial third party sales of puppies and kittens'—I think that sounds great, but there are so many factors to consider in this process. It would be foolish just to chase that solitary headline, because I do think we can do better here in Wales.

Nothing stops the movement of pets bred in Wales into other parts of the UK and vice versa. So, if we only looked at one step in the chain, I think it would really be a lost opportunity to make a very lasting and effective change. We must also ensure the welfare of animals at breeding establishments is not compromised as a result of any well-intended changes. The consultation process is absolutely key to this, and I don't want to pre-empt its outcome by discussing any detail of that today. The consultation will seek views and ask for evidence to help us paint a full picture of the supply chain of puppies and kittens, where in the chain there are welfare concerns, and also how a change in policy or legislation could address those concerns.

So, as I say, I don't want to speculate on the direction that the process of the consultation will take us. I don't want to discount any options available to us, and I've made it very clear I'm committed to addressing the concerns associated with third party sales. I absolutely stand by this and I can say today the 12-week consultation will be launched on 22 February, just to reassure all Members that that's what we will be doing. I really encourage Members to ensure their constituents put forward their responses to the consultation.

As a Government, we're also working with charities and welfare organisations, so I really do think you are pushing an open door. As you said, Andrew, we've had cross-party lobbying about this. I was very pleased to speak at an event hosted by Eluned Morgan around Lucy's law earlier this year. I think you're right, we can do better than this, animal health and welfare is a postbag that we always have full as AMs, on many different topics. So, we will be launching the consultation, as I say, on 22 February, and I very much look forward to bringing forward, I hope, a ban—I don't want to pre-empt the consultation, but I agree it's something we need to take very seriously here in Wales.