New 10-year framework for health and welfare
The new health and welfare strategy will take an outcomes-based approach.
A consultation has been launched on proposals to develop a 10-year framework for animal health and welfare in Wales.
The new Animal Health and Welfare Strategy for Wales was proposed this week by Alun Davies, minister for natural resources and food.
It will replace the current Great Britain Animal Health and Welfare Strategy that comes to an end in 2014.
Mr Davies says: "The health and welfare of animals is important to everyone, not just animal owners or government.
"The way that animals are bred, reared and cared for throughout their life, their health and welfare and policies introduced to manage disease risks can have major implications for the environment and society as a whole."
Objectives of the new framework are to build upon progress already made through the current strategy, by taking an outcomes-based approach. The proposed strategy addresses the lack of a monitoring framework currently in place to measure the impact of activities.
The Animal Health and Welfare Strategy will cover farmed livestock, companion animals, aquaculture, and working and sport animals. Wildlife is also included where human actions affect their health and welfare, or where there is a risk of disease being transmitted from wildlife to humans or other animals.
Draft strategic outcomes included in the consultation document are to ensure animals are healthy, productive and have a good quality of life, and in turn, the public have confidence in food animal production, Wales has a thriving rural economy and a high quality environment.
Four workshops are planned across Wales as part of the consultation process. To find out more about attending or to respond to the consultation, visit the government website.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
