What plans does the Welsh Government have to introduce legislation to protect seals during puppy season?
Answered by Minister for Climate Change | Answered on 26/10/2023
Seals are afforded protection under the conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations, specifically Habitat Regulatory Assessment (HRA). Disturbance during pupping season would be an important component of such an assessment.
Seals are also afforded further protections through the updated Conservation of Seals Act (as amended) as well as the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
No plans are currently in place to introduce further legislation.
See here for a legislative summary Seals - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)