What assessment has the Welsh Government undertaken of the impact of COVID-19 on the animal welfare sector?
My officials within the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer have been in touch with the two overarching key animal welfare third sector networks operating in Wales, namely the Animal Welfare Network Wales and also the Companion Animal Welfare Network Wales. Discussions with both these organisations have been ongoing meetings throughout this whole period.
The sector itself instigated a survey on how their members have been affected by both the financial and operational impacts during this period and have kept the Welsh Government well informed. The Animal Welfare Network Wales agreed to collect and collate information on the animal welfare sector in Wales, with the questions being closely aligned to those undertaken by the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes, and that survey is still live on the Animal Welfare Network Wales website.
The Welsh Government has been clear that funding for both business and the third sector/charities would be available through those specific schemes. We are aware that a number of animal welfare focussed support has been provided via the various schemes including the Economic Resilience Fund (ERF), which is unique to Wales, the Third Sector Resilience Fund and the Development Bank of Wales.