A Welsh animal charity say they are 'delighted' - after Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary Lesley Griffiths said she was considering a ban on the third party sales of puppies and kittens

Ms Griffiths made the announcement at an RSPCA Cymru event which rewarded local authorities and organisations across Wales for going the extra mile for animal welfare.

She says a consultation will be launched in the New Year on a ban on the third party sales of puppies and kittens.

The consultation will look to gather evidence on what stage the Welsh Government should intervene in large scale breeding premises and address concerns about animal welfare.

Speaking in Cardiff Bay, the Cabinet Secretary Lesley Griffiths said: "Wales has led the way in animal welfare legislation and we’re determined to keep raising standards of responsible animal ownership.

"I know there are growing concerns about the welfare standards at some large scale breeding premises and I have asked my officials to investigate how a ban on third party sales could address these concerns."

During the RSPCA Cymru event awards were presented to local authorities, housing providers and organisations as part of the Community Animal Welfare Footprint (CAWF) awards.

This year 16 organisations were presented with 19 CAWF awards - with seven winning a gold award; the most that has been given out at one time.