This post is on behalf of the Kennel Club and Welsh Kennel Club regarding serious concerns that they have with regards to the Welsh Assembly Government draft Animal Welfare (Licensing of Animal Exhibits) (Wales) Regulations 2020.

 Draft Regulations and Guidance regarding animal exhibits which are being consulted on stipulate a licence for showing pet dogs in Wales could be required (other than for attending one or two local dog shows) but exempts pet dog owners who keep and train animals for sporting purposes or displaying learned behaviour for working purposes.

The Regulations will apply to Welsh residents who show their dog at Welsh dog shows; Welsh residents who show their dog only outside of Wales; and non-Welsh residents who show their dogs in Wales. In Wales there are around 200 pedigree dog shows that take place annually. In addition there are two major shows run by the Welsh Kennel Club and the South Wales Kennel Association and they attract around 9,000 dogs and around 5,000 dogs respectively, a significant number of which are not from Wales. The Regulations as drafted could therefore impact a huge number of responsible dog owners pursuing their hobby and could have a significant impact on the workloads of local authorities – particularly Powys County Council where the two major dog shows take place. It could also have further knock on effects on a considerable number of Welsh businesses that benefit from the success of these shows, primarily within the hospitality and canine product industries.

We have drafted template consultation response, template letter to MPs/AMs and prepared a briefing for you to make use of should you wish to meet your local representative in person. We are also supporting a petition tabled by Our Dogs for the Welsh Assembly Government. This information can be found on our website at:-www.thekennelclub.org.uk/our-resources/kennel-club-campaigns/animal-exhibit-regulations-in-wales/

Please visit the link and support the petition which closes on the 21/11/2019