What plans does the Welsh Government have to update the Pet Animals Act 1951?
There are currently no plans to update the Pet Animals Act 1951. The Pet Animals Act 1951 and Pet Animals (Amendment) Act 1983 protect the welfare of animals sold as pets, requiring any person keeping a pet shop to be licensed by the Local Authority. The Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014 controls the licensing of Dog Breeding in Wales. Local Authorities are responsible for the enforcement of these Regulations.
All animals kept in captivity are subject to the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the duty of care set out in section 9 of the Act. Those who own, or are responsible for, animals have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to ensure their welfare needs are met.