Welsh Government questioned on progress of its animal welfare strategy

The Welsh Government’s record on animal welfare came under scrutiny in the Senedd as Members pressed the First Minister on the delivery and future direction of its long‑term strategy. The exchange, prompted by a question from Labour MS Mike Hedges, highlighted both the progress made since 2021 and the areas where Members believe further action is urgently needed.

Government highlights achievements under the Animal Welfare Plan

Responding to Hedges, the First Minister emphasised that the Government’s Animal Welfare Plan for Wales 2021–2026 has already delivered “improvements through better support and training for local authorities,” funded by Welsh Government and delivered by Animal Licensing Wales. She reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring “all animals in Wales have a good quality of life.”

Key measures highlighted included:

• Ongoing work to ban greyhound racing in Wales.
• Plans to regulate animal welfare establishments, including rescue and rehoming centres.
• Strengthened local authority capacity through targeted training and support.

The First Minister also pointed to legislative milestones achieved in recent years, including bans on wild animals in circuses, the prohibition of snares, and compulsory CCTV in all areas where live animals are unloaded, handled, or stunned.

Concerns raised over horse tethering practices

Hedges welcomed the Government’s progress but urged Ministers to go further, particularly on the long‑standing issue of horse tethering. He argued that poor practice remains widespread and that the current code of practice “is not effective,” calling for “more stringent guidance, changes in enforcement practice and a change in legislation” to deter long‑term tethering in unsuitable conditions.

In response, the First Minister acknowledged the concerns but stressed that while tethering is not illegal, it “should never be used as a long‑term management system.” She noted that the code of practice—updated in 2018 following expert advice—already sets out strict requirements for food, water, shelter, and supervision. Where these standards are not met, she said, local authorities “need to investigate and, where necessary, seize the animals that are suffering.”

Calls for continued ambition

The debate underscored a broad consensus within the Senedd that Wales has made significant strides in animal welfare but must maintain momentum. Members from across parties have repeatedly emphasised that enforcement, resourcing, and legislative clarity remain essential to ensuring that welfare standards are upheld consistently across the country.

As the current Animal Welfare Plan approaches the end of its 2021–2026 cycle, scrutiny of its outcomes—and expectations for its successor—are likely to intensify.