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New breeding laws for Wales

Welsh government tackles puppy farming


New dog breeding legislation has been introduced by the Welsh government, in an attempt to improve welfare and address the issue of puppy farming.

The draft Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) 2013, provides a set of guidelines as to the standards required from licensed breeding premises.

These guidelines state that breeders must have socialisation and enrichment programmes in place for dogs on the premises and that the animals must be microchipped.

The maximum number of dogs that one person can look after has also been set to 20, excluding any puppies born to the animals.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the move, and president Peter Jones commented: "We are delighted that the Welsh Government has put dog welfare back at the top of the agenda…

"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."

According to a statement from Alun Davies, minister for natural resources and food, it is proposed that the new regulations will come into force on January 1, 2014. The draft legislation is to be debated on July 2, 2013.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.