Wales

National Assembly for Wales 

The RSPCA’s long tradition of lobbying politicians extended into Wales following devolution in 1999. Since that time the our public affairs team in Wales has been working with the National Assembly for Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government, civil servants and all interested stakeholders. The team provide an information service to politicians, government departments and agencies. Regular briefings, meetings, events and attendance at all party political conferences in Wales guarantees that we are a key partner in all animal welfare issues. We respond to all animal welfare consultations from both Assembly committees and the Welsh Assembly Government.

Legislative process in Wales 

Since 1999, additional powers and laws have been regularly transferred to the Assembly. In 2006 a new Government of Wales Act (GOWA 2006) changed the nature of passing legislation in Wales by legally separating the National Assembly for Wales - which has a scrutinising role - from the Welsh Assembly Government, which has the responsibility for policy decisions. GOWA 2006 provided the Assembly with the ability to pass laws, known as 'Measures', within certain specified ‘fields’. Measures can amend, modify, extend or repeal legislation in exactly the same way as an Act of Parliament.

In addition, in partnership with various levels within Westminster, the Assembly can, through Legislative Competency Orders, expand the legislative areas under its remit. GOWA 2006 also includes the provision for the National Assembly for Wales to gain full law-making powers within the original identified ‘fields’, subject to referendum. If this were to happen, the Assembly would have a similar status to the Scottish Parliament.

Legislation for animal welfare in Wales 

The Welsh Assembly Government has a range of responsibilities within companion/pet, wildlife, and farming animal welfare issues. The Animal Welfare Act effectively devolves the responsibility for domestic and captive wild animal welfare issues to the National Assembly for Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government has embarked on a programme of legislation which has begun with Codes of Practice for some of the usual pet animals. We are keen that further regulations are introduced to ensure the welfare of animals in sanctuaries and circuses and for the protection of racing greyhounds. The governments in Scotland, England and Wales are working closely on these issues, but devolution may produce three very different laws.

APGAW Wales 

Like in Westminster we also provide the administrative support for the All Party Group for Animal Welfare which is a cross party group formed by, and for, AMs in 2000. Animal Welfare organisations and charities can join as associate members of this group which was formed to promote and further the cause of animal welfare in Wales. APGAW has worked in many areas, including greyhounds, equines and puppy farming. 

Animal Welfare Network for Wales (AWNW)

We also support the aims and work of the Animal Welfare Network for Wales (AWNW), which the RSPCA helped to set up in 2006. The network is the largest of its kind in the UK and has over 130 animal welfare interested organisations as members. The Network has run conferences, workshops and briefings and is in the process of developing specialist working groups to examine the nature of some problems in more detail. 

Companion Animal Welfare Enhancement Scheme (CAWES)

The Welsh Assembly Government's 'Companion Animal Welfare Enhancement Scheme' (CAWES) has provided new funding for local authorities. The purpose of this scheme is to increase the profile of companion animal welfare issues in Wales and to see if the current legislation protecting animals is working. Additional money has been provided for special projects which are designed to look at some issues, such as dog breeding, in more depth. The results from both funding streams will help inform the animal welfare world of the nature of any problems within the commercial sectors.