Vaughan Gething, Penarth and Cardiff South's AM, backs Welsh Labour Government's commitment to driving up welfare standards for dogs.

Vaughan Gething AM is backing a commitment by the Welsh Labour Government to improve welfare standards for dogs at breeding premises in Wales.

Welsh Labour's Minister for the Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths has said she will act immediately to strengthen how the law is applied across Wales.

And she re-confirmed the Welsh Government will take forward Lucy's Law and ban third party puppy and kitten sales.

It comes as a review of the existing Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales Regulations 2014) by the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group, called for:

•Greater consistency in the inspection and enforcement of breeding regulations

•A review of the licensing process, including the application of staff to adult dog ratio appropriate to the breeding premises

• The need for better welfare standards for all breeding dogs rather than only those at licensed premises.

Vaughan Gething AM said: "I welcome the commitment made by the Welsh Labour Government to drive up the welfare standards for dogs at breeding premises – it's something I have long campaigned for.

"We all want to see the highest welfare standards for animals in Wales. It's good news some of the recommendations can be delivered through existing legislation.

"The combination of new regulations on pet sales and dedicated funding for enforcement and delivery of the breeding regulations will result in lasting improvements to the welfare standards of puppies bred in Wales."