Written question WQ83466

My officials meet regularly with the UK Government and other devolved governments, through the Animal Welfare Policy Group (AWPG). The purpose of the group is to facilitate a more joined-up approach based on enhanced mutual awareness and understanding while respecting animal welfare is a devolved matter.

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Animal Activities) (Wales) Regulations 2021 came in to force on 10 September 2021. These regulations make it an offence to sell a puppy or kitten, which the seller has not bred themselves on the premises. This is another step towards ensuring the welfare of puppies and kittens, currently being bred and sold to third parties, is improved significantly by being sold only by breeders direct to the new owner.

The lure of a quick, unregulated sale attracts many unscrupulous breeders and dealers to websites and for this reason the Welsh Government, alongside the UK Government, supports the work of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG).

I believe responsible animal ownership begins before the point of purchase. No matter what the species or breed, potential owners should complete thorough research to make an informed choice. With companion animals in particular there is always the risk of being driven by emotional or impulse purchasing.

Related to this, may I point you in the direction of our social media campaigns undertaken during the run up to Christmas 2019 and prior to Christmas 2020 #pawspreventprotect. These campaigns were designed to remind prospective purchasers of the need to do their research before buying a puppy or kitten to ensure it is done via the correct channels. We will continue to issue strong messaging and plan to relaunch our campaign again this year.