The Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014

Motion NDM5649 Jane Hutt
 
To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:
 
Approves that the draft The Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014 is made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 18 November 2014.

Janet Finch-Saunders

I stand to support the proposed new dog breeding regulations for Wales. However, I also have great sentiment for the comments made by William Powell AM. The RSPCA and the Dogs Trust echo themselves that these regulations do not go far enough. However, as has been said across the Chamber, this is a positive step forward for animal welfare, for animal lovers across Wales, but, more importantly, for the many puppies who will now benefit from these measures. It is very sad that Wales is known as the puppy farming capital of the UK, and, too often, we know of over-breeding, poor animal welfare and care, and significant health issues linked with the breeding of pedigree and purebred dogs, but also to include the cross-breeding of purebreds, as we now realise a designer dog culture. Too often, sadly, it is profit before the puppy.
 
Too often, these puppies inherit and are inbred with bone and skeletal problems and breathing issues. They often do not live a full and healthy life, and, too often, they are abandoned through no fault of their own. Genuine animal lovers wanting to give a forever home to their preferred breed often do not have the opportunity to see a healthy bitch with the sire or have no idea that the cost of few hundred pounds for a lovely looking puppy may be just a start to the hefty bills facing them when the breeding faults present. The statistics are shocking—there are 247 licensed dog breeders, although data concerning the prevalence of dog breeding in Wales is difficult to obtain, and those support agencies like the RSPCA and the Dogs Trust have great difficulties. According to local authority data, 149 are unlicensed, and 1,587 are exempt dog breeding establishments. It is essential that there is tighter regulation.
 
As Mick Antoniw AM said, 20% of people who bought a puppy no longer own the animal just two years later. I fully support the recommendations from the RSPCA that adopting and rehoming the many abandoned puppies and dogs would prove a benefit given the numbers currently in rescue centres, with some facing a premature death if a suitable home is not found. For me, we have to support what we have before us, but I would echo what you have said, and what other Members across this Chamber have said, that this is a start, but it is only as good as how the local authorities are able to regulate and enforce. It has to be said that the Welsh Labour Government has dramatically hit local authorities in terms of animal welfare and enforcement officers. That has to be addressed. I would like to know from the Deputy Minister, when you have seen the cuts to animal welfare, to enforcement officers and trading standards across Wales, how on earth, even with the guidance and policies that we put in place here, this is really going to be enforced.