Written question WQ82791
- Asked by
- Darren MillarConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
Will the Welsh Government set out any plans it may have for changes to the regulation of zoos and animal attractions in Wales, including an outline of any proposals and a timetable for their consideration and possible implementation?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
The Welsh Government has agreed to be included in the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill which, along with other animal welfare related improvements, proposes to amend the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 to increase penalties for non-compliance and provide Local Authorities with better tools for enforcement to ensure zoo operators comply with our Standards of Modern Zoo Practice.
The Bill also seeks to amend the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 to enable the Welsh Ministers to specify the standards for the conservation requirements that zoos must comply with. This will provide the means to ensure that zoos adopt strengthened conservation requirements and these requirements can be updated more often.
A Legislative Consent Memorandum was laid before Senedd Cymru on 22 June 2021 in relation to the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill.