Written Statement: The Welsh Government response to the consultation on the ‘Licensing of animal welfare establishments, activities and exhibits, including greyhound racing’ and our next steps
Today, I am pleased to set out the Welsh Government’s response to our consultation on the licensing of animal welfare establishments, activities, and exhibits. This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to improving animal welfare standards across Wales.
We are moving forward with a ban on greyhound racing in Wales. As announced earlier this year, we are establishing an Implementation Group to guide this transition, ensuring the welfare of racing dogs and supporting affected communities. Legislation to deliver this commitment will be brought forward in the autumn.
We will take a phased approach to introducing a national model for the regulation of animal welfare, working closely with stakeholders, operational agencies, industry and the third sector. Our focus will be on areas where regulation can deliver the greatest benefit, informed by the evidence and views submitted during the consultation.
We will begin by developing proposals for the regulation of animal welfare establishments, including rescues, sanctuaries, rehabilitation and rehoming centres following clear feedback from the consultation. 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.
In the area of animal activities, we will consider pet grooming as a secondary phase of the national model. This skilled and specialist activity is widespread but currently unregulated, with over 500 pet groomers estimated to be in operation in Wales.
I acknowledge the arguments for regulating other activities under a national model. We will continue to monitor and gather evidence where necessary, for potential inclusion in future phases of a national model.
We will maintain a watching brief on animal exhibits. While views were mixed, we remain open to future re-evaluation as part of our phased approach and do not ignore calls for regulatory reform or prohibition.
Finally, we recognise that effective enforcement is essential. That is why we have extended funding for our local authority enforcement project, Animal Licensing Wales, enabling their award-winning work to continue.
Together, these steps demonstrate our commitment to deliver continued improvements to animal welfare in Wales. I am confident that our national model for regulation, together with effective enforcement, will affect real and positive change for thousands of animals.
Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
First published 24 June 2025.
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