Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
I wish to update you on the findings of the Dog Breeding Review which was commissioned in October 2019.
I have, today, published the Government’s Response to the Review’s recommendations.
The purpose of the review, undertaken by an expert Task and Finish Group from the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group, was to make recommendations on the Review of the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014, with a view to promoting welfare provision for breeding dogs and their offspring.
During the review, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales also met with representatives from the Local Authorities in Wales to discuss barriers to enforcement. I am pleased to advise following this, a three year Welsh Government funded project is now underway, focussing on enhanced training and better guidance for Local Authority inspectors and improved collaboration between Local Authorities across Wales. The project also aims to develop a regional dog breeding intelligence strategy to increase effectiveness in identifying and preventing illegal and unlicensed dog breeders.