In September 2025 the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee submitted its report on the Supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandum for the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill. The report includes one conclusion and one recommendation. This is the Welsh Government response to that report.

Introduction

The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill (“the Bill”) was introduced in the House of Commons on 16 October 2024. The Bill is a Private Members’ Bill, introduced by Dr Danny Chambers MP and is supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Bill makes provision to restrict the commercial importation and non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets into the United Kingdom from third countries on animal welfare grounds. The Bill completed its passage through the House of Commons on 4 July 2025 and received its Second Reading in the House of Lords on 5 September.

Legislative consent is required as the Bill makes provision with regard to devolved matters in so far as it applies to Wales, notably, animal welfare. A Legislative Consent Memorandum (LCM) was laid before the Senedd on 21 May 2025 with a supplementary LCM laid on 7 August 2025.

On 16 September 2025, the Bill was debated in the Senedd and was passed with no objections.

The Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee (LJCC) agreed its report on the supplementary LCM on 16 September 2025. The Report contained one conclusion and one recommendation.

With thanks to the members of the LJCC for their report on the Bill, I have set out my response to the Report’s conclusion and recommendation below.

Conclusion 1

The Committee concludes:

“We agree with the Welsh Government’s assessment, as set out in Memorandum No. 2, of the provisions within the Bill which require the consent of the Senedd in accordance with Standing Order 29.”

Response: The Welsh Government notes this conclusion.

 

Recommendation 1

The Committee recommends:

“The Cabinet Secretary should explain what representations were made to the UK Government for the inclusion of commencement powers for the Welsh Ministers in the Bill.”

Response: Commencement powers are needed to allow for a coordinated, streamlined approach across the UK. A GB-wide approach delivers clear operational benefits, ensuring consistency on export and import controls at borders and avoiding unnecessary complexity for animal keepers, transporters and enforcement bodies. Alignment strengthens enforcement, prevents loopholes and provides legal clarity.

My officials have worked closely with their Defra counterparts on the development of the Bill and representations on commencement powers were raised during these discussions. I have received assurances that this close collaboration will continue as the Bill progresses and we will be consulted on commencement matters, including the commencement date.

This is now the third time seeking to pass this Bill and I have committed not to seek any amendments in order to support its successful passage through Parliament. My priority is to see this important Bill finally realised, and for these reasons, I did not pursue a separate consent mechanism.

Financial Implications: None.