What assessment has the Welsh Government made regarding the number of cat breeders that will be subject to licensing under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021?
The possible impacts of the new legislation are considered in the EMRIA.
Data from the UK PFMA shows there were approximately 596,000 cats living in Wales in 2018. Taking the average life of a cat to be approximately 14 years and assuming that the cat population remains broadly stable, this suggests there will be 42,500 kittens sold in Wales each year. The proportion of kittens sold via a third party seller is believed to be lower than that for puppies. In the absence of firm evidence, we have assumed 3% of kittens are sold via a third party seller or approximately 1,300 kittens each year.
It is difficult to make assumptions on the likelihood of breeders in Wales reducing the volume of their breeding stock or ceasing trading altogether as a result of the ban on third party sales. There are no current figures on how many kittens are sold via a third party from breeders in Wales.
These regulations are designed to regulate sales of pets made in the course of a business. It may mean some small breeders require a licence when they did not before if they sell kittens on a sufficiently regular basis. It is not intended that a person who has an accidental litter or who decides on occasion to sell a kitten will need a licence. However, it is essential we do not apply blanket exemptions within these regulations which may introduce opportunities for exploitation. For this reason it is paramount the Local Authorities are able to use their discretion when assessing eligibility and the robust guidance, along with training which will assist them in this.