What consideration has the Welsh Government given to the financial impact of enforcing The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021 in Wales on local authorities and what support will be made available to them to properly enforce such regulations?
The possible impacts of the new legislation are considered in the EMRIA. Commercial third party sellers already need to apply for a licence and are subject to ongoing inspections. Therefore, when third party sales are regulated, it is anticipated those who are eligible and meet the required standards will continue but only sell direct and those that are not will cease to trade. Therefore, there should be no additional costs. Local Authorities will be able to set the licence fee to meet anticipated costs of registration, inspection and enforcement by charging a fee for the issue of a licence.