Hello everyone,

Been having a look round and you are having some terrific discussions, but like yourselves I find puppy farming extremely sad.
I hope you don`t mind me dropping this on you, I hope it may help in some way.

It is a reply from Welsh Government to another forum member some years ago, after she wrote and voiced concerns over the grant system. 

I do not think she would object to me sharing this,  as it is for the good of the cause.

Tim.Cosgrove@Wales.GSI.Gov.UK                          
 
Tim Cosgrove concerning Welsh Assembly
Support
for dog breeding Activities in Wales through Farming Connect

"       The Farming Connect service was launched in September 2001 to
provide a complete package of assistance to help family farms in Wales. The service includes a free business planning service that is designed to identify the best possible way to take the family farm business forward and remain  viable.

The service includes a range of grants to help farmers invest in their future and includes the Farm Enterprise grant, which is aimed at helping farmers diversify their businesses away from mainstream agriculture,and the Farm Improvement grant that provides assistance to on farm
agricultural activities.

Since the launch of the scheme there have been over 5,000 enquiries for the planning service and over 500 applications for grant
approved.

The breeding of dogs is eligible under the scheme for capital works
such as kennelling and exercise yards. Support is not available for the purchase of animals. To date two farmers have received grant towards dog breeding enterprises. To qualify for grant under the scheme all buildings must comply with British Standard 5502 and are eligible for inspection under Farming Connect for a period of 5 years after completion.

It is expected that a Farming Connect Consultant would not recommend that a farmer undertook a dog breeding enterprise unless they were trained to do so and were experienced in animal welfare and hygiene.

Training in both these areas are provided through the training elements of Farming Connect and through a series of Development Centres and Demonstration Farms which highlight good
practice in animal welfare and hygiene. The checks carried out, which may include on-site visits, are over and above those that a local authority would undertake in this area.

Of the farmers that have requested support for dog breeding
facilities the first business has received the necessary planning permission and a local authority dog warden has approved the plans, advice has also been sought from specialist dog kennel constructors.

We have been assured that the plans conform fully with current health, environment and animal welfare regulations. The members of the business have researched the market and have over 12 years experience breeding dogs.

The second enterprise is to provide further support to an
established dog breeder to convert calf stables into kennels and provision of steam cleaning equipment for effective hygiene management, again all building works are to British Standard 5502 and subject to possible inspection.

This enterprise is to provide high quality puppies in a welfare friendly manner for family pets. The farmer has tested the market and established that there is a demand for the enterprise.

We recognise the importance that needs to be given to the highest
forms of animal welfare and hygiene and both capital grants under the scheme are expected to provide high standards and benefits for the animals whether they are agricultural livestock or for the domestic market.

We will undertake to ensure that future applications of this kind are looked at in detail to ensure that the highest possible standards are maintained. "

Regards
Darren
Darren Brook
Food and Farming Development Division 3
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department
Tel 029 20801363
Email darren.brook@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Regards

a well wisher