AWNW Working Groups

The Animal Welfare Network for Wales hosts a number of internal Working Groups, made up of existing member organisations and which offer a specified focus on a certain species or area of policy. In 2021, the AWNW has three working groups:

  1. The Greyhound Working Group

  2. The Equine Working Group

  3. The Licensing of Animal Activities Working Group.

Further information on each can be found in the sections below.

 

The Greyhound Working Group

Established in 2018, the Greyhound Working Group is an umbrella group within the AWNW, whose purpose is to improve the welfare of racing greyhounds in Wales.

Current Membership consists of:

  • Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

  • RSPCA

  • British Veterinary Association (BVA)

  • Hope Rescue

  • Greyhound Rescue Wales (Chair); and

  • Forever Hounds Trust

The Group has worked closely with key stakeholders in recent years, including local authorities and the Welsh Government to improve standards of welfare for racing Greyhounds. Measures have included the presence of a suitably qualified vet being on-site at Wales’ only Greyhound track and lobbying for greater regulation of the past-time in Wales.

The Greyhound Working Group was proud to publish - with the support of the Welsh Government - the Voluntary Code of Practice for the Welfare of Racing Greyhounds in 2019.

Contact the Greyhound Working Group here.

 

The Equine Working Group

Established in 2021, the Equine Working Group was set up to tackle the long-standing issues associated with Equine ID, horse tethering and broader welfare issues.

Made up Members with a specific equine focus, the working group draws on a large base of expertise and knowledge within the sector.

The Working Group members for 2021 are:

  • Redwings

  • World Horse Welfare

  • Communities for Horses

  • British Horse Society

  • The Horse Trust

  • RSPCA; and

  • British Veterinary Association (BVA)

Contact the Equine Working Group here.

 

The Licensing of Animal Activities Working Group

Formed in 2021, the Licensing of Animal Activities (LAIA) Working Group was set up in response to the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Animal Activities) (Wales) Regulations 2021, passed by the Senedd on 23 March 2021.

While these new Regulations were broadly welcomed by the AWNW - concerns have now shifted to how they will be enforced across Wales - with many fearing that they will prevent legitimate, not-for-profit rescue and rehoming centres from rehoming puppies and kittens under six-months of age.

Members:

  • RSPCA

  • Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

  • Hope Rescue

  • British Veterinary Association (BVA)

  • Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association

  • Horse Trust

  • Naturewatch Foundation

  • World Horse Welfare

  • Communities for Horses; and

  • Friends of Animals Wales

The LAIA Working Group will be working closely with colleagues in both Welsh Government and Local Authorities to ensure the forthcoming Guidance is fit for purpose.

It is essential that AWNW ensure welfare standards increase in actuality, and prevent legitimate rescue centres from being caught by these new Regulations - otherwise resulting in many young animals spending months in kennels waiting for their forever homes.

Contact the LAIA Working Group here.