COMMENTING on the publication of Plaid Cymru’s manifesto for the 2026 Senedd elections, RSPCA Cymru Public Affairs Manager Billie-Jade Thomas said: “Any commitment to further improve animal welfare in Wales – including via a specific Animal Health and Welfare Plan, and the promotion of responsible pet ownership and breeding – is to be welcomed.
“Better regulation around the nation’s animal welfare establishments such as sanctuaries, rescues and rehoming centers will help protect animal welfare, uphold standards and provide important reassurances to the public – although equipping local authorities with the resources to do the job will also be key.
“And we should all want to see responsible dog ownership thrive. That’s why the RSPCA believes a dog registration or licensing scheme has the potential to help encourage robust dog traceability, while offering a chance to raise income to fund enforcement and cover costs associated with dog control.
“We are currently undertaking research relevant to this concept which we hope will be used to inform an evidence-based approach in Wales and further afield in the near future.
“The RSPCA has long urged Wales’ decision makers to address the current imbalance between the rights of landlords and the rights of tenants who rent when it comes to the keeping of pets.
“Doing more to ensure that landlords can not unreasonably refuse pets in rented accommodation would therefore mark a significant step forward.
“We strongly urge the approach of the next Welsh Government in tackling devastating Bovine TB to focus on cattle-based measures as opposed to killing badgers unnecessarily.
“With the relevant Technical Advisory Group (TAG) currently reviewing evidence in relation to wildlife and BtB, it is important that this work is completed before any decisions are made.
“The recently published paper by the Welsh Government’s Bovine TB Programme Board highlighted the importance of its – and TAG’s – work remaining strictly independent of political influence and it is vital that this approach is continued after next month’s election.
“According to our Animal Kindness Index, Wales has the highest proportion of animal lovers of any UK nation – and voters will welcome hearing from political parties’ plans for animals of every kind.
“Ahead of the upcoming Senedd election, we continue to encourage all political parties in Wales to bring forward proposals for animals – including our pets, livestock and wildlife.”
RSPCA Cymru has published its own manifesto ahead of the 2026 vote – and members of the public can let Wales’ political parties know that animal welfare matters to them and take online action to help give animals a voice.
Billie added: “From recognising animal sentience in Welsh law, to making pet abduction a specific offence, and clamping down on the keeping of primates as pets, there’s so much decision-makers can do for animals in the coming years.
“And we can further improve animal welfare in Wales by granting the RSPCA the powers to get to animals in need more quickly, consolidating wildlife protections into a single law, and regulating cat breeding.
“We can also help ensure Wales’ agricultural communities are renowned for good welfare – by banning the caging of farm animals, prohibiting any non-stun slaughterhouses from operating in Wales and incentivising farmers who adhere to higher standards of animal husbandry.”
