Further to the publication of guidance to assist with the enforcement of the Licencing of Activities Involving Animals (Wales) Regulations, what discussions has the Welsh Government undertaken to determine what financial assistance is required by local authorities given the increase in their portfolio of animal welfare-related responsibilities?
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, it is anticipated those who are eligible and meet the required standards will continue, but now only sell direct and those who are not will cease to trade, therefore, there should be no additional costs. Local Authorities are able to set their licence fee to meet anticipated costs of registration, inspection and enforcement.
Funding from Welsh Government has been secured for three years to support a Local Authority project on enforcement which includes enhancement of training and improved use of existing resources within Local Authorities across Wales. I am pleased to say the feedback from Local Authorities who have already attended training as part of the project has been very positive. Additional funding for two years has now been secured to enable recruitment of additional expertise via dedicated animal licensing officers and thus to provide further intensive training.