A more consistent approach to training and accreditation for animal welfare officers is needed. Existing variations in training and enforcement puts animal welfare at risk. A central unit of suitably trained inspectors should be established which can be utilised by local authorities to improve collaboration and disseminate best practice. Wales has implemented a 5-year animal welfare plan which includes a focus on sharing and developing local authority knowledge and training. The Department sh...

A more consistent approach to training and accreditation for animal welfare officers is needed. Existing variations in training and enforcement puts animal welfare at risk. A central unit of suitably trained inspectors should be established which can be utilised by local authorities to improve collaboration and disseminate best practice. Wales has implemented a 5-year animal welfare plan which includes a focus on sharing and developing local authority knowledge and training. The Department should work with counterparts in Welsh Government, and the sector, to assess how similar measures could successfully be embedded in England. Type: conclusion | Number: 17 | Paragraph: 72 | Response status: not_accepted Government response: We have no plans to make these changes at this time. The Government takes biosecurity seriously; currently we mandate tapeworm treatment for dogs coming from Echinococcus multilocularis-endemic countries to be administered 24–120 hours prior to landing here. We w