AM Welcomes Funding

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES FUNDING BOOST FOR ANIMAL WELFARE

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming today’s news that local authorities in Wales next year (2008/09) will share £700,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure high standards of animal welfare among companion animals. A further £200,000 will be available to the local authorities for special projects.
Mr Sargeant said: “The Welsh Assembly Government takes the issue of animal welfare very seriously, and we want to ensure that all local authorities have the resources to regulate the welfare of companion animals.
“The £700,000 will be allocated according to population, and is specifically targeted for the regulation of welfare among companion animals in line with the Animal Welfare Act 2006.”
Local authorities will be required to assess compliance levels at non-agricultural premises, such as livery yards and animal sanctuaries, and report back to the Welsh Assembly Government on a regular basis.
Local authorities will also be asked to set up local or regional animal welfare forums to work closely with animal welfare organisations, and adopt a Memorandum of Understanding with the Animal Welfare Network for Wales. In addition, local authorities will need to agree and deliver education and awareness plans to promote an increased understanding of the welfare responsibilities of pet owners and keepers of animals.