Dogsey

The RSPCA has produced a report, 'Animal Welfare Indicators Wales', to provide a snapshot of animal welfare in Wales. As well as looking at the welfare issues of animals such as horses, the report has examined dog-related issues such as puppy farms, 'unlicensed breeders', greyhound racing, stray dogs and 'status' and dangerous dogs.

The RSPCA recommends new regulations to improve powers for dealing with bad practice in the dog breeding industry, in particular highlighting the areas of licensing, minimum staff requirements and microchipping, and it hopes that current guidance will be made mandatory through legislation.

The report mentions a large increase seen by South Wales Police over the last five years in the number of incidents under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act. The RSPCA has drafted an update for current dog control legislation, focussing on prevention and early intervention and involving “coordinated and targeted education programmes”, the aim of which is to foster responsibility in both dog ownership and breeding. The proposed update is supported by police and local authorities.

It is hoped that the report will be used by welfare collaborations to improve animal welfare in Wales. John Griffiths, Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development, has welcomed the report, saying that he is looking forward to working together with the RSPCA to protect animals. Referring to puppy farming and 'unlicensed breeders', he has confirmed that it is the Welsh government's intention to make new legislation on dog breeding in 2012.