Animal Welfare Groups Urge Welsh Government to Enhance Protections

The gathering included newly elected Members of the Senedd, animal welfare charities, local authority enforcement officers, and Welsh Government officials. Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd MS, addressed attendees, reaffirming the government's commitment to developing a new Animal Health and Welfare Plan. He outlined initiatives to enhance welfare standards for companion, farmed, and wild animals, highlighting the contributions of Animal Licensing Wales.

Currently, a Welsh Government consultation is open until October 19, 2026, regarding the introduction of a close season for hares and new offences related to seal disturbance.

Sarah Carr, CEO of Naturewatch Foundation and World Animal Day Coordinator, welcomed the guests and encouraged the government to prioritize stronger protections for breeding dogs and puppies, emphasizing the need for action against puppy farming. She referenced recent figures indicating that fewer than 15% of puppies sold in the UK come from breeders subjected to local authority inspections and minimum standards.

Vanessa Waddon, CEO of Hope Rescue and a World Animal Day Ambassador, pointed out the increasing pressures on animal rescue organizations, noting that Hope Rescue cared for 794 dogs in 2025 alone. She commended Animal Licensing Wales but called for better enforcement of welfare standards and swift resolutions for dogs seized in cruelty cases, which can lead to long waiting periods before they are rehomed.

Event sponsor Vikki Howells MS of the Climate Change, Environment, Sustainability and Rural Affairs Committee emphasized animal welfare as a key priority in future work, reflecting on previous successes such as the implementation of Lucy’s Law and a ban on snares.

Sioned Nikolic, Public Affairs Advisor at RSPCA Cymru, stressed the need for stronger regulations for animal welfare establishments that rehabilitate and rehome animals. She warned that an overwhelming number of rescues can lead to welfare problems and reiterated calls for modernizing dog breeding regulations in Wales.

Following the speeches, Members of the Senedd engaged with various organizations including Naturewatch Foundation, Hope Rescue, and RSPCA Cymru. Greyhound Rescue Wales showcased greyhounds, paying tribute to those who supported the passage of the greyhound racing ban.

Sarah Carr expressed gratitude to colleagues in the animal welfare sector, affirming the Senedd's crucial role in shaping a future where animals thrive, and looked forward to collaborating with the Welsh Government to strengthen animal welfare protections.