Animal welfare charity welcomes ‘landmark’ proposals for regulations in Wales
RSPCA Cymru is welcoming the Welsh Government's plans to begin developing proposals for establishments like rescues, sanctuaries, rehabilitation and rehoming centres.
RSPCA Cymru has welcomed a “landmark” announcement as the Welsh Government confirms new proposals for the regulation of animal welfare establishments such as sanctuaries, rescues and rehoming centres across Wales.
In a statement, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, announced following “clear feedback” from its consultation, the Welsh Government will begin developing proposals for establishments like rescues, sanctuaries, rehabilitation and rehoming centres to be regulated.
Animal welfare establishments (AWEs) are currently not subject to any specific regulations in Wales.
Unlike establishments such as riding schools, dog breeders and cat boarders, animal welfare establishments (AWEs) are currently not subject to any specific regulations in Wales.
This essentially means that anyone can set up one, regardless of whether they have the skills, funds, resources or experience needed to care for animals.
The Deputy First Minister added: “We recognise the need for consistent, proportionate, and enforceable standards to protect animal health and welfare, and support the positive work undertaken to prevent wrongdoing and mistreatment.”
The Welsh Government will also consider pet grooming as part of its plans, as this “skilled and specialist activity” is also currently unregulated.
Eighty two percent of respondents to a recent Welsh Government consultation were in favour of regulating animal welfare establishments (AWEs).
RSPCA Cymru says they have 'long called for establishments such as sanctuaries, rehoming centres and rescues to be formally regulated to offer vital assurances to the public, and protect animal welfare'.
RSPCA Cymru’s Senior Public Affairs Manager Billie-Jade Thomas, said:
“This is a landmark milestone for animal welfare in Wales and follows our long-standing campaign calling for regulation.
“Many owners of sanctuaries and other animal welfare establishments undertake hugely important work, but the lack of regulation and oversight has long been a major concern for the RSPCA.
“Our officers have too often dealt with situations that have spiralled out of control - with capacity, governance and financial issues all a reality for many sanctuaries; demonstrating the clear need for regulation. We have undertaken four prosecutions relevant to AWEs since 2018 and inevitably it is us that needs to step in when animal welfare becomes compromised in these establishments.
“We now look forward to hearing more about the proposals and look forward to helping the Welsh Government on their next steps."
The Welsh Government says they will take 'a phased approach' to introducing a national model for the regulation of animal welfare.