I know that legislation is a dry subject but if you are interested in the welfare of dogs then it is an important subject and deserves your attention, so far only 13 views have been recorded .
I beg you to individually go on line and give your opinion, it is so easy. Now the next bit is not so easy Write or e mail your local AM and give him your opinion and ask for his or her support. Individual AM's will have a big input at discussion stage. If they think we are happy with the Draft Proposals then they will be. So if you are not happy then let them know. I am sorry to be boring but I am quite passionate about this issue.
In a previous post I have asked you to write to your AM. I would like to reiterate this as today I had a reply on behalf of my AM, it said:- Vaughan Gething will be meeting with the RSPCA and other bodies to discuss the proposed regulations. He will take into account constituent views before making representations to the minister Therefore it is important to get your views across to your AM during the consultation period ( ends 27 March ). So Please read the Draft then 1) reply on line to W Gov. 2) Write to your AM.
A bit of additional information that you might be interested in+
You will note that in the Draft Proposals it is proposing a staff to dog ratio of 1 attendant to 30 dogs. Yet when the previous WAG was considering this subject they felt 1 to 20 was recomended.
The draft Guidance claims the revised ratio was from advice by Vetinary groups such as CIEH BVA and BSAVA BUT this advice was given before the Animal Welfare Act of 2006 and the Vet groups do not now support that ratio. In fact the Task and Finish group set up by WAG Nov 2009 endorsed the ratio of 1 attendant to 20 dogs. YET now the draft is quoting 1 to 30 what is going on at WAG?
I realise that some of you have written to WAG prior to this information but you can write to your AM and bring it to his attention.
Friends of Cardiff Dogs Home are in the process of producing a response to the Welsh Government. CARIAD are also producing a response.
I would like to stress that as many people as possible should write to their AM's giving their personal views. Keep an eye on the CARIAD thread as shortly there will be a bit of guidance to help produce your letter, you might like to incorporate them with your own views.
Here is a template for you to use to send to your AM re the Draft Proposals.
You can send to your own AM and your regional ones. Please send it is important that we pressure our AM's as much as possible. Just copy and save, fill in name of AM and your name and address and send c/o the Senedd.
[TEMPLATE EMAIL FOR YOU TO USE]
Dear (Assembly Member)
I welcome the proposed introduction of new regulations in Wales for the licensing of dog breeders. There is a pressing need to improve welfare standards in dog breeding and to address the problem of ‘puppy farms’.
The proposed new regulations include many positive features. However, I am very concerned that they include a diluted recommendation for a minimum staff to breeding dog ratio of only 1 to 30. This is inadequate staff cover to provide full care for dogs, with respect to exercise, stimulation, socialisation of puppies or appropriate health care.
It is important to bear in mind that this ratio does not even include puppies, and assumes a standard 37 hour week, when dogs require 7 day-a-week care. Effectively, it would allow only 10 minutes care per dog per day at most.
The Task and Finish Group, set up by the Government to address regulation of dog breeding, has recommended a minimum staff to breeding dog ratio of 1 to 20. This group included representatives of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) amongst others. This is a far more appropriate minimum and was included in the first draft of the regulations.
It appears that the change to 1 to 30 has occurred as a result of pressure from breeders, as there is no welfare rationale for it. Yet the reduced ratio will simply have the effect of facilitating the operation of large scale breeders, by reducing their costs at the expense of adequate care. Such a change will only serve to perpetuate the widespread operation of puppy farms in Wales.
Please lobby Mr John Griffiths, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, on my behalf, to ensure that a minimum ratio of 1 staff member to 20 breeding dogs is included in the final proposed regulations.
As an addition to writing to your AM's a postcard will be available shortly , produced by CARIAD, for sending to Mr John Griffiths the Minister responsible for the new dog regulations. As stated in earlier posts the proposals are quoting 1 attendant to 30 dogs and that most agree is too many. The cards are calling for 1 to 20 as a max. I will post when the cards are available and hope that you will take a card and post it off to WAG. Watch this space
I had a quick chat with my local AM today about this when I was at another event - she is very supportive of the cause in that its so wrong what is happening here re the recent planning app in Camarthen - she does want me to email her though as well, which I will do.