The Welsh Kennel Club has welcomed the chance to have its say to Assembly officials on draft proposals for revised dog breeding legislation in Wales.

At a meeting of Welsh stakeholders, held on Wednesday 14^th September, Vice-Chairman of the Welsh Kennel Club, Alan Fall, highlighted various issues for the Welsh Assembly Animal Welfare Policy officials to consider, relating to the enforcement and subsequent funding of the proposed tough new regulation.

Mr Fall commented: “Whilst we recognise the obvious need to improve the reputation Wales has obtained in regards to puppy farming, the Assembly officials have made it quite clear that there is no funding available for new legislation. If it is to be at all successful, mechanisms must be put in place to ensure the responsible breeder is not stonewalled by excessive regulation. This may simply stop responsible breeders from producing litters altogether, further pushing people to puppy farmers who work outside of the law anyway.”

The meeting comes after the newly appointed Environment Minister, John Griffiths AM, outlined plans for officials to “have discussions with interested parties to identify their concerns and proposals and, where relevant, consider these in new draft legislation”.

The Kennel Club and Welsh Kennel Club applauded the Environment Minister's announcement in July of the Welsh Government’s intention to consult further on dog breeding regulations in Wales in order to ensure any new legislation “is not burdensome on those breeders who fully meet the welfare needs set out in the Animal Welfare Act”.

The revised legislative proposals, to be consulted on this autumn, will follow further focus group work. During this time, the Kennel Club and Welsh Kennel Club will continue working with the Welsh Assembly to offer their guidance and expertise on the breeding of dogs.