How is the Welsh Government supporting charities like Dogs Trust to ensure that as many dogs as possible find their loving forever homes?
Pet ownership increased significantly across the UK during the Covid -19 pandemic, with over 3 million households reportedly buying a pet. As the economic situation worsens, with the cost of living crisis, pressures on household budgets to maintain good welfare conditions for pets will become ever more challenging.
Officials meet regularly with the Animal Welfare Network Wales and Companion Animal Welfare Group Wales, which are made up of Third Sector organisations including the PDSA, Dogs Trust and Cats Protection and liaise regularly with their counterparts in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to consider responses to this issue and the effectiveness of potential measures to support the sector.
The Welsh Government also runs an annual campaign in the run up to Christmas and our social media campaign #pawspreventprotect is used regularly to promote and share messages on responsible ownership through social media.