Janet Finch-Saunders
Minister, the majority of domestic pet owners are very caring, taking animal welfare matters very seriously. However, there are instances where some dog owners take a perverse pleasure in allowing their dogs to participate in the most cruel form of badger baiting. In recent events in Flintshire, residents heard bloodcurdling screams as a bull breed was left to fight a female badger, leaving her lifeless and in a pool of blood. This is simply not acceptable and has the potential to desensitise what can then become a dangerous animal, often kept in close proximity with children. How are you working with the RSPCA and the police to educate, prevent and punish those responsible for these horrific events?

Rebecca Evans
Thank you for that question. I share your disgust at what we saw in the media just last week in terms of that badger-baiting incident. It was very distressing, I think, for anyone who was reading that. I share your complete disgust and I’d encourage anybody with any knowledge to come forward and share with the police any information they might have with regard to that specific incident. As you know, Welsh Government works very closely with the third sector, including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and others in terms of raising awareness and trying to increase the standards of welfare for all kept animals in Wales. Part of that work is through our code of practice for the various domestic animals, including dogs, which the RSPCA is able to share with dog owners who they might have concerns about in terms of whether they have the skills, or the resources and knowledge and so on, in order to look after their pets properly.
After our previous discussion in questions last time as well, I’ll have that meeting with the police in due course. I’d be more than happy to write to you with an update following that.