Move follows growing concerns about welfare
The Welsh Government will launch a consultation into banning third party puppy sales, cabinet secretary Lesley Griffiths has announced.
Speaking at the RSPCA Cymru Gala Dinner at the Pierhead this week (5 November), she said the government is committed to improving welfare standards for puppies.
The consultation will gather evidence to tackle welfare issues and determine at what stage the government should intervene in large scale breeding premises. The news comes after the cabinet secretary vowed to look into banning third party puppy sales earlier this year.
Lesley Griffiths said: “Wales has led the way in animal welfare legislation and we’re determined to keep raising standards of responsible animal ownership.
“I know there are growing concerns about the welfare standards at some large scale breeding premises and I have asked my officials to investigate how a ban on third party sales could address these concerns.
“Information on the supply chain of puppies is of particular significance in this process. At what point in this chain will Government intervention have the biggest impact? The beginning or the end? Or both?
“It is absolutely essential we address the root cause of any welfare concerns in changes to legislation and I will launch a consultation early in the New Year.”
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
