£1 million to strengthen animal welfare across Wales

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Thousands of pets and animals across Wales are set to benefit from strengthened welfare protections after the Welsh Government confirmed £1 million in continued funding for Animal Licensing Wales for the 2026/27 financial year.

The funding will allow the national body to maintain its specialist team, which supports local authorities in regulating animal-related activities, tackling illegal breeding operations and pursuing prosecutions against offenders.

A centralised online licensing portal, already in place for dog breeders, has streamlined application processes and is expected to expand to cover additional licensed animal activities.

The initiative has supported successful prosecutions and improved welfare outcomes through coordinated enforcement and specialist expertise.

The organisation has also played a role in raising professional standards, providing training for animal welfare inspectors across Wales and supporting veterinary professionals to carry out health checks on breeding dogs, including fitness-to-breed assessments.

Huw Irranca-Davies MS, the Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs said: “I’m delighted to announce this funding for Animal Licensing Wales, an award-winning Welsh Government funded initiative which is making a real difference in supporting our welfare enforcement.

“We take animal welfare very seriously and this investment delivers on Programme for Government commitments to improve inspector qualifications and develop a national model for animal welfare regulation.

“The pan-Wales approach ensures consistent standards for animals in licensed establishments.”

Richard Irvine, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, added: “Animal Licensing Wales has transformed how we protect animal welfare across the country.

“By bringing together expertise and creating a consistent national approach, we have given local authorities the tools they need to tackle illegal breeding and poor welfare practices.

“This continued funding means we can build on five years of progress. Our trained inspectors and veterinarians are now better equipped than ever to identify welfare concerns early and take action.

“Every animal in a licensed establishment in Wales deserves proper care. This investment helps ensure they get it.”

Chief Executive of Hope Rescue, Vanessa Waddon, said: “We have worked with the Animal Licensing Wales team since their inception, caring for and rehoming the dogs that have been seized from breeders keeping dogs in low welfare conditions.

“Their pro-active approach to raising standards and taking enforcement action when needed has immeasurably improved the welfare of so many dogs in Wales.

“It’s heartbreaking seeing the health and behavioural impact poor breeding has on these dogs, and we’re delighted that the Welsh Government has announced further funding to support this much needed work.”