The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has strongly welcomed the latest move by the Welsh Government to introduce new dog breeding legislation to enhance animal welfare and tackle puppy farming.
Commenting, BVA President Peter Jones said:
“We are delighted that the Welsh Government has put dog welfare back at the top of the agenda and is pushing ahead with plans to tighten the regulations regarding the breeding of puppies.
“Vets are often faced with the terrible consequences of puppy farms and bad breeders, which can lead to suffering for both the animals and their owners. We welcome this latest move to drive forward legislative change to tackle the abhorrent practice of puppy farming and hope effective measures will make a real difference to the health and welfare of man’s best friend.
“We are particularly pleased that that draft Regulations have not watered down the recommendations on staff to dog ratios and is proposing that one person to 20 dogs should be the maximum. This ratio was advocated by the expert Task and Finish Group on which the BVA and BSAVA were represented. And we strongly support the proposals that breeders must have socialisation and enhancement and enrichment programmes for dogs on licensed premises and the animals must be microchipped.
“Everyone wants their new puppy to be happy and healthy and I would also like to take this opportunity to mention the Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack (PIP), launched last year by the BVA’s charity, the Animal Welfare Foundation, and the RSPCA which gives prospective puppy owners the tools and information they need to ensure they are buying a healthy, happy and well-socialised puppy.”