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Animal Licensing Wales project extended
Animal Welfare Teams focuses on dog breeding and enforcement.
The Welsh government says it has received positive feedback.

The Welsh government has confirmed that its Animal Welfare Teams project has been extended until 2025.

Animal Welfare Teams, led by Animal Licensing Wales, focus on dog breeding and enforcement, and ensures that animal welfare inspectors are well qualified to handle welfare issues.

Animal Licensing Wales was commended at a responsible dog ownership summit in autumn last year. The first trained senior intelligence officer was nominated for a Pet Industry Federation award, and the programme received an RSPCA Innovator Footprint award.

Through the scheme, five training courses have been delivered to 58 officers in local authorities across Wales.

Between February and December 2023, Animal Welfare Teams received 252 intelligence calls in relation to unlicensed dog breeders. This led to 73 investigations and 391 inspections across eight local authorities – leading to 58 Improvement Notices served under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Among the dog breeding practices being monitored by the Animal Welfare Teams is the breeding of German Shepherd working dogs, ensuring the breeders maintain high standards.

Animal Welfare Teams have also led operations at Welsh ports, ensuring people comply with the pet travel scheme and the commercial movement of pets.

Lesley Griffith, Welsh minister for rural affairs, said: “We have ambitious plans to improve animal welfare in Wales, and one of our commitments was to improve the training and qualifications for local authority enforcement officers.  The Animal Licensing Wales project is making a real difference.

“We know ensuring dog breeding establishments are high quality and reputable plays a key role in promoting responsible dog ownership, and the officers are delivering real change here.”

Gareth Walters, project lead for Animal Licensing Wales, said: “This project is delivering training across Wales, improving enforcement powers for local authorities.

“We're pleased it has been extended until 2025 and it will provide valuable lessons and experience for the future.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.