What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of the replacement of the Pet Animals Act 1951 with The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021, on the number of additional licences local authorities will need to issue, given the new regulations’ increased licensing scope?
The possible impacts of the new legislation are considered in the EMRIA. Existing commercial third party sellers already need to apply for a licence and are subject to ongoing inspections.
It is unlikely that most people breeding one or two litters from their family pet would pass the business test detailed in the regulations. Comprehensive statutory guidance will be produced for Local Authorities to assist them in assessing someone’s eligibility for a licence.
It is not the policy intent to introduce a new licensing regime for dog breeders under the requirement threshold of the Animal Welfare (Dog Breeding)(Wales) Regulations 2014 but it is also 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 will assist them in this.