10. What action is the Welsh Government taking to address illegal mutilations such as ear cropping in dogs in domestic settings? OQ57367

Thank you. In collaboration with the police, the Government-funded local authority enforcement project collates intelligence of anyone suspected of ear cropping for action by the relevant local authority. Additionally, the forthcoming Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill seeks to restrict the import of dogs and puppies that have been subject to mutilations, such as ear cropping.

Diolch, Weinidog. You stated in your answer to Samuel Kurtz's question about this horrible trend for dogs with cropped ears, despite being an illegal mutilation in the UK, that you would work closely with the UK Government to try and prevent this illegal and barbaric practice. 

The number of reports that the RSPCA have received in relation to ear cropping increased by 621 per cent over a six-year period leading up to 2020, and the BBC report on this subject revealed that animal welfare officers at a local level don't have the resources to deal with this growing problem. So, could the Minister state how the Government will address this question of resource? And also, will the Government look at launching a public awareness campaign on the issue, as called for by the RSPCA, to send a clear message that the illegal mutilation of dogs for cosmetic purposes isn't acceptable in Wales? Diolch.

Thank you. I mentioned the local authority enforcement project—that's a three-year funding project that I have supported to make sure that local authorities are supported to respond to concerns in their areas. The animal welfare plan that I've brought forward for this five-year term of Government has been done in partnership, and we've listened to the concerns of local authorities and third sector organisations.

I'd certainly be very happy to look at what we can do to promote awareness and also education, because I think that's really important; if we are going to have a campaign, I think, obviously, focus on awareness, but I think that there needs to be an equal focus on educating people to realise the cruelty of this practice.

Thank you, Minister.