3. What support does the Welsh Government provide to vets? OQ57708

I thank Heledd Fychan for the question, Llywydd. Most vets in Wales work in private practice, operating as private businesses. Some, by contract, also provide important public services. The Welsh Government provides a range of direct and indirect support, reflecting this diversity of veterinary provision.

Thank you, First Minister. Recently, I was contacted by Councillor Larraine Jones, who represents Gelli and Ystrad, to draw attention to the fact that there is a shortage of veterinarians in the Rhondda. She has shared many heartbreaking stories, including a dog dying at home and in pain because the local vet had closed permanently and no-one else had room for new animals. There is also a big problem in terms of getting vaccines for animals. Following Brexit, and also the pandemic, there is a similar shortage across Britain. And in Scotland, the Government has announced that it will establish a Scottish veterinary service. So what action is being taken by the Welsh Government to address this shortfall, and to ensure that more people train here in Wales to become vets?

I thank Heledd Fychan for that question. It is true that the number of vets from the European Union here in the UK has fallen, and has fallen by 68 per cent between 2019 and 2021. Now, we are doing many things here in Wales. We have a new school at Aberystwyth University, and we are funding young people through our Seren programme, particularly young people from the Rhondda and other similar areas. After 2020, we have funded 28 students from such backgrounds to study to become vets for the future here in Wales.