8. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the increased risk to animal welfare as a result of the cost-of-living crisis? OQ58242

Llywydd, the cost-of-living crisis has had an impact on all aspects of life in Wales, including increased risk to animal welfare. We assess that risk together with our partners in the farming unions, third sector organisations, and through the Welsh Government's established animal health and welfare group.

Thank you for that. I had the privilege, last week, of visiting the Almost Home Dog Rescue charity near Mold, and I know that other Members have been and others will do so soon. Of course, there was an increase in the number of people who took pets into their homes during the pandemic, and now, as we're returning to some kind of normality, people realise that they perhaps have to let those animals go, but also, in the wake of the cost-of-living crisis, people can't afford to keep dogs and other pets. Simultaneously, charities such as these are having more difficulty in raising funds, because of the cost-of-living crisis. So, can I ask whether the Government has given any consideration in terms of providing practical financial support for any of these charities, because, at the end of the day, we are going to see animal welfare suffering appallingly if a number of these animals have to be put down?

Well, Llywydd, thank you to Llyr Gruffydd for that supplementary question. It's true what he said. Some figures show that over 3 million households additionally have bought pets during the pandemic than was previously the case. So, something major has happened in this area, and, with regard to the cost-of-living crisis and costs, a lot of families are facing pressures in that regard.

I know that the Minister and the chief veterinary officer are working very closely with the third sector. They do excellent work; of course, the Government's stance is to support people in that sector and to assist them. I don't know if we can do that financially, but we do do it in other ways, to support them in the important work that they do.

I thank the First Minister.