Will the Minister outline the Welsh Government's timeline to introduce measures to regulate animal rescue and rehoming centres in Wales?
I am pleased to refer you to our recently published Animal Welfare Plan for Wales 2021-26, which was launched on 4 November: https://gov.wales/animal-welfare-plan-wales-2021-26 and
https://llyw.cymru/cynllun-lles-anifeiliaid-cymru-2021-26
Our Animal Welfare Plan for Wales includes a framework for the four animal welfare Programme for Government commitments. It also outlines how we will integrate a broad range of ongoing animal welfare policy work, including statutory guidance for existing regulations, licensing of animal exhibits, microchipping of dogs and cats, welfare of animals in transport, and codes of practice. The need to review existing animal welfare legislation is also recognised, along with maintaining some flexibility should new policy actions be required.
The Animal Welfare Plan for Wales includes an outline of the process through which we will consider the regulation of animal rescue and rehoming centres in Wales.
As ever we will continue to work closely with key stakeholders, including those from the third sector, to meet the challenging aspirations of the Programme for Government and the Animal Welfare Plan for Wales.