I'm delighted, actually, to be able to confirm Welsh Conservatives' support for these overdue regulations, regulations that are very similar to the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2019, which came into force almost a year ago. So, I'm still disappointed, then, that our regulations won't come into force until 10 September 2021.

As we all know, Lucy was rescued from a Welsh puppy farm in 2013—eight years ago—and Welsh Government could have been the first to respond to a serious Welsh issue and an important campaign that had clear constituent support. It's been low-hanging legislative fruit, and it's a mystery to me why Welsh Government hasn't acted sooner.

The Minister will be pleased to hear, though, that we welcome numerous aspects of the regulations, including the requirement in regulation 4.2(a), that

'The local authority must—

'(a) appoint one or more suitably qualified inspectors to inspect any premises on which the licensable activity or any part of it is being or is to be carried on' and we support the limitation of licences to one year and the requirement for animals to be kept at all times in an environment suitable for their species and conditions.

I do have a few questions, though, Minister. Local authorities will be responsible for the enforcement of the regulations. You advise that there's no additional cost to them, and we appreciate the fee flexibility, but, at the moment, we have no idea from you as to the number of inspectors currently in Wales and how many more that you will expect to carry out these regulations, because that's certainly going to affect the fees that councils can charge.

Regulation 26 requires each local authority to provide some details as to the number of licences enforced in the area and the average level of fees, but it doesn't seem to include the number and reason for licence breaches. I'm wondering why that's not included in these regulations. The Dogs Trust has highlighted that one attendant could be responsible for up to 180 adult dogs and puppies at one time, and I'd be pleased if you could clarify how we can be confident that their welfare needs will be met with just one Schedule 2 visit a day.

And just to finish, Janet Finch-Saunders, I think, asked you about the capacity of rescue and rehoming organisations in Wales, to continue the rehoming of animals rescued from situations of neglect, if they have to wait until their kittens or puppies are at least six months old before rehoming the parents, and you advised her that local authorities have an element of discretion in considering whether legitimate not-for-profit rescue and rehoming centres would need a licence. I'm just curious why you've not addressed that in these regulations.

And then, just one more: the Companion Animal Welfare Group Wales has explained to us that there needs to be further bespoke consultation on animal welfare, and I wonder why that hasn't already happened in the course of a five-year Parliament. But do you expect the next Welsh Government to do that, regardless of what colour they are? But, just to confirm, Minister, we'll be voting for the regulations today and agree with you when you called this a step forward just a few moments ago; it's just a shame it's not the final goal. Diolch.