3. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of roaming farm animals on animal welfare? OQ56661

We've not made an assessment of the impact of roaming farm animals on animal welfare. Animal owners and keepers have a legal duty to care for the animals for which they are responsible.

Thank you very much, Minister. I would suggest that perhaps the Government do so. Those of us who live and were brought up in the Heads of the Valleys are well used to seeing sheep around our communities as part of the nature of the place. But what we've seen recently is the failure of the local authority in Blaenau Gwent to maintain fences and to maintain the common areas where they have responsibilities, which has meant that we have a significant animal welfare problem within the borough. We had seven animals killed in one accident on the eve of poll in May, and this is exceptionally distressing both for the keepers and the farmers, but also for people who have to witness that. And I think it's important to recognise that there are statutory bodies here with responsibilities, and I would be grateful if the Welsh Government could, first of all, carry out the assessment that I spoke about, and then ensure that local authorities do deliver on their obligations and their responsibilities in these matters.

Thank you, and, as you say, in May this year, unusually high numbers of sheep were reported to be roaming around towns in your constituency. People were obviously concerned about the possibility of accidents being caused, but, of course, for the welfare of the animals themselves, as you say. It's, I think, right to point out that anyone with concerns should contact Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. The maintenance of boundaries is the responsibility of the landowner, but if fences are deliberately damaged, for instance, that should be reported to the police. You suggest that we need to do some further work with the local authority, and I will commit to doing that, and, obviously, inform the Member when that's been completed.

Minister, animal welfare is a priority for all Members and many people in society. Roaming livestock is an issue, as also are people who are roaming the countryside and the dangers that that poses, both to livestock and that the livestock poses to people, and we've seen some tragic accidents in recent years. Are you aware of schemes that have been undertaken in the south-west of England that have allowed temporary diversions of foot paths to protect ramblers and people who enjoy the countryside, as well as livestock? And if you are aware, then, could I encourage you to have a discussion with the Minister for climate change, who's responsible for public rights of way, to encourage greater take-up of these types of schemes to avoid tragic accidents in the countryside and improve animal welfare?

Thank you. I'm not aware of the schemes—I think you said the south-east of England—but it's certainly something that I will ask officials to look at and to explore to see if there are any lessons we can learn.