Consultation opens on licensing rescue centres in Wales
The Welsh government is considering introducing licences for animal rescue centres and sanctuaries.
The Welsh government has launched a 12-week consultation on licensing animal welfare establishments, activities and exhibits.
Licences for animal rescue centres, dog walking and grooming services, and dog play parks are among the measures being considered.
Animal sanctuaries and rescue centres are not currently regulated in Wales, meaning that anyone can set one up without any necessary expertise. A licensing regime would require such establishments to meet minimum standards, with regular inspections to make sure that animal welfare is protected.
Opinions will also be gathered on licensing the owners, keepers, and trainers of racing dogs such as greyhounds, and whether there should be a phased ban of greyhound racing in the future.
The consultation is the first phase of the Welsh government’s plan to develop a national model for regulating animal welfare. Any future licensing regimes would be subject to further public consultation
Minister for rural affairs Lesley Griffiths said: “The licensing of animal-related activities would ensure the health and welfare of the animals involved is considered at all times, driving improvements in standards of keeping and enabling better enforcement in those instances where things go wrong.
“A great deal of work has been carried out ahead of this consultation to identify the activities which are currently unlicensed, and where there are gaps in current arrangements.”
The consultation has been welcomed by Cats Protection. The charity is keen to see rescue centres better regulated to ensure high standards of animal welfare.
Cats Protection’s advocacy and government relations officer for Wales Daryl Gordon said: “We’re pleased to see this consultation published today, which will be vital in ensuring rescue and rehoming centres meet the high standards that animals deserve, and the public expects.
“The consultation offers an opportunity to finally close loopholes in current legislation which can allow unscrupulous third-party sellers to pose as animal welfare establishments. By stamping out these rogue individuals, we can protect kittens and cats from harm, and prevent buyers from suffering the heartache and financially strain of unwittingly buying a sick kitten or cat.”
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Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
