This week, after spending a day at the RSPCA animal centre in Bryn-y-Maen last summer, the Assembly Member for Aberconwy joined the organisation in Cardiff Bay to celebrate 10 years of the Animal Welfare Act in Wales. Following this event, Janet is calling on the Welsh Government to do more to improve animal welfare.
Janet said:
“I would like to thank all the team at RSPCA Bryn-y-Maen and nationally for caring about and clamping down on animal cruelty.
“In 2015 RSPCA in Wales collected and rescued 7,589 animals, rehomed 1,750, issued 5,790 welfare and warning notices, and prosecuted 89 offenders. This increased to 120 last year.
“Key to the organisation’s success is the Animal Welfare Act which led the way to the use of prevention in addition to reaction, banning shock collars, microchipping, and the code of practice on how to care for cats, dogs, rabbits, and horses.
“Sadly, only 13% of people in Wales are aware of the Welsh Government and the RSPCA’s welfare guidance.
“Awareness of the importance of animal welfare is key, so I am now calling for it to be included within the national curriculum for Wales.
“Undoubtedly, children, when being taught about and taking responsibility for a pet, they learn about the importance of responsibility, compassion, and kindness.
“Already, some primary schools in Aberconwy have pets, such as the chickens at Ysgol San Sior, and snake in Ysgol Llanddoged. I would like to see schools build on this so to ensure that the next generation can be the best possible pet owners.
“Education really is the best tool to prevent animal cruelty in the long term.
“Importantly, last year it was found that 75% of people in Wales agree that children should be taught about animal welfare from a young age”.
ENDS
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Notes
The Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Cats, Dogs, Equines and Rabbits are now in force.