What discussions has the Welsh Government had with local authorities regarding their capacity to licence a significantly larger number of pet vending businesses, in light of the expanded licensing scope of The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021?
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.
Preliminary discussions about integrating training on both dog breeding and these new Regulations has already taken place with the project lead for the Local Authority Dog Breeding Enforcement Project.
Officials will continue developing this as an option going forward and, of course, prior to the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021 coming in to force. Statutory Guidance will also be produced for Local Authorities.