A review of dog breeding regulations is to be held following a BBC investigation into the Welsh puppy farm industry, a minister has said.

BBC Wales Investigates found "filthy" conditions at breeding sites licensed - and approved - by councils. The programme heard calls for vets' part in the system to be investigated. Minister Rebecca Evans told AMs the "horror and anger" prompted by the programme was shared by the Welsh Government.

She said Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths would instigate a review of the current breeding regulations, write to veterinary bodies and local councils about the issue and also discuss the matter with Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales Christianne Glossop on Wednesday. As part of the licensing process breeders pay vets to check dogs to decide if they're "fit to breed". An expert panel told the programme, broadcast on Monday night, that some vets' standards had "slipped" and they were "part of" a "broken system".

Full article HERE

BBC Wales Investigates: Inside the UK's Puppy Farm Capital (BBC iPlayer).

This"review" isn't really necessary as the welfare side is already covered in existing legislation. What it needs is the Local Authorities to apply the law correctly & issue licences to those who full comply. Inspections should be unannouced & compulsory.

Having visited alongside an LA"inspector"(AKA the local dog warden)who could see nothing wrong in rearing puppies in converted pigsties that had no natural light nor views of the outside world. When I pointed out the multiple breaches of the
Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999( which was the most recent update of the law at the time) said DW opted NOT to renew the licence until the premises & dogs welfare were brought fully up to standard & the proprietors decided it would cost too much, closed the kennels & the land & property sold for conversion to residential accommodation. Pity a few more LAs don't apply the law rigorously & then licensed PFs would disappear.

> Pity a few more LAs don't apply the law rigorously & then licensed PFs would disappear.

The pity is that the Government at the time ever encouraged Welsh Farmers to diversify into Puppy Farming!!   And that people wanting a puppy aren't more aware, or don't listen, when it comes to buying a puppy.

I watched the programme - against my better judgement

It was NOT the Westminster Government that paid grants to set up puppy farming, it was the Welsh Assembly.

> It was NOT the Westminster Government that paid grants to set up puppy farming, it was the Welsh Assembly.

Oops!!