POWYS County Council will support future Welsh Government legislation to regulate puppy and kitten farms.

A motion has been passed by the full council which will see the authority provide its backing to any future legislation brought forward by the Senedd to ban the actions.

Cllr James Evans (Gwernyfed – Conservative) wanted the council to call upon the Welsh Government to ban puppy and kitten farms, basing it on “Lucy’s Law” which came into force in England in April 2020.

However, an additional part of his motion, condemning the "unnecessary delay in bringing forward this basic animal welfare legislation" was removed in the amendment which was voted through.

Cllr Peter Roberts (Llandrindod South – Liberal Democrat), said: “I agree entirely with bringing Lucy’s Law forward, however the second half of this motion leaves me greatly troubled.

“We’re condemning the unnecessary delay slap bang in the middle of a pandemic.

“Legislative staff are scattered across Wales, time is being spent delivering coronavirus legislation to keep us, and everyone around us safe.

Labour group leader, Cllr Mathew Dorrance (Brecon St John) pointed out that Lucy’s Law does not ban puppy and kitten farming, but requires people to buy from a breeder or registered rescue centre.

“I also suggest that the proposer and seconder are slightly out of touch with developments in Wales, the Environment Minister (Lesley Griffiths MS) has confirmed that a Welsh Lucy’s Law will be introduced before the end of this Parliamentary term, in April 2021,” said Cllr Dorrance.

County Times: Cllr James Evans Cllr James Evans

Cllr Evans refused to alter his motion saying that he’d had enough of “dither and delay” from the Welsh Government on the issue, when they had “plenty of time” for other legislation that didn’t relate to public health.

Then Cllr Jackie Charlton, put forward her amendment to take out the sentence and replace it by adding that the” council supported the Welsh Government to take the ban forward by the end of their term.”

Her amendment was seconded by Cllr Peter Roberts.

The first vote which was on the amendment was carried by 30 votes to 26 with one abstention.

Cllr Charlton’s amendment became the substantive motion and was approved unanimously.