Will the Minister confirm whether the Welsh Government intends to introduce licensing as part of its model to regulate animal welfare establishments including rescue and rehoming organisations, and sanctuaries?
The Animal Welfare Plan for Wales 2021-26 (AWPW) outlines our intention to introduce a licensing requirement in relation to animal welfare establishments. Linked to our first Programme for Government commitment, we will consult on the nature and scope of this work in order to bring forward new requirements, potentially under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) (Regulations) 2021.
My Officials continue to engage with a range of stakeholders, including the Animal Welfare Network Wales and the Companion Animal Welfare Group Wales in realising our Programme for Government commitments and the detailed proposals described in the AWPW.