01.10.26
This week, Naturewatch Foundation was proud to welcome Members of the Senedd (MSs), Welsh Government officials, animal welfare organisations and enforcement professionals to our Celebrating Animal Welfare in Wales event at the Senedd.
Held alongside our friends at Hope Rescue and RSPCA Cymru ahead of World Animal Day on 4 October, the event was an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made for animals in Wales while highlighting the important work that still needs to be done.
With a newly elected Welsh Government and a fresh Senedd term underway, it was the perfect moment to put animal welfare firmly on the political agenda.
A new opportunity for animals in Wales
The event was kindly sponsored by Vikki Howells MS and featured an address from the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd MS, who holds responsibility for animal welfare within the Welsh Government.
During his speech, the Minister said the Welsh Government is committed to developing a new Animal Health and Welfare Plan for Wales and outlined plans to improve welfare standards for companion animals, farmed animals and wildlife.
We were pleased to hear recognition of the valuable work carried out by organisations across the animal welfare sector and the important contribution made by Animal Licensing Wales in raising standards and supporting enforcement.
Calling for action on puppy farming
Our CEO, Sarah, congratulated newly elected Members of the Senedd and urged them to make stronger protections for breeding dogs and puppies a priority.
For many years, we have campaigned against puppy farming and for higher welfare standards for breeding dogs. Our recent research suggests that fewer than 15% of puppies sold across the UK are bred by breeders who are subject to local authority inspections and minimum welfare standards.
These figures demonstrate why stronger oversight of the puppy trade remains urgently needed.
The new Welsh Government was elected on a commitment to promote responsible dog breeding and ownership. We want that to include urgent improvements to dog breeding standards and look forward to working with MSs and policymakers to ensure meaningful change for dogs and puppies across Wales.
Rescues under pressure
Hope Rescue CEO, Vanessa Waddon, spoke about the increasing pressures facing rescue centres, highlighting that her organisation cared for 794 dogs in 2025 alone.
She called for action to reduce the lengthy periods of time that animals seized in cruelty and neglect cases can spend in rescue care while legal proceedings are ongoing. These delays place significant financial and practical pressures on charities, while delaying animals from being rehomed into loving, forever homes.
Vanessa further called for the swift implementation of the Welsh Government’s ban on greyhound racing, a landmark animal welfare achievement that Hope Rescue and others have campaigned for for many years.
Building on previous successes
Vikki Howells MS reflected on the positive changes she has campaigned for in her time as a Member of the Senedd, including the introduction of Lucy’s Law and the ban on snares.
She stressed the importance of maintaining momentum and ensuring that animal welfare remains a key priority throughout this Senedd term.
RSPCA Cymru also highlighted the need for stronger regulation of animal rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming establishments, helping to ensure good welfare standards across the sector while supporting organisations caring for vulnerable animals.
Attendees also met with organisations working to improve animal welfare in Wales, including Naturewatch Foundation, Hope Rescue, RSPCA Cymru, Blue Cross, Greyhound Rescue Wales and Animal Licensing Wales.
One of the biggest highlights of the afternoon was the chance for guests and Members of the Senedd to meet several rescue greyhounds who were brought along by Greyhound Rescue Wales as part of their own special celebration of the people whose dedication helped secure Wales’ historic greyhound racing ban.
Thank you for supporting our work
Events like Celebrating Animal Welfare in Wales are an important opportunity to bring charities, policymakers, enforcement bodies and supporters together to campaign for change.
While there is much to celebrate, there is also much more to do to ensure animal welfare remains on the political agenda in Wales. From tackling puppy farming, strengthening enforcement and ensuring wildlife are well protected, we will continue working to ensure animal welfare remains a priority in Wales.
None of this work would be possible without your support. Thank you so much for helping us be a voice for animals across the UK and beyond.
Find out more about World Animal Day and how to get involved at https://www.worldanimalday.org/.
