Written Statement: Wild Animal Welfare White Paper – Consultation

Today, I am announcing my intention to publish a White Paper consultation on 21 September 2026 on proposals for a Wild Animal Welfare (Wales) Bill.

Wales has a proud record of promoting high standards of animal welfare. As our understanding of animal welfare and public expectations continue to evolve, it is important that our legislative framework keeps pace where there is evidence that improvements can be made.

The forthcoming White Paper will seek views on two targeted proposals intended to address specific animal welfare concerns relating to seals and hare in Wales.

The first proposal would create a new offence of intentionally or recklessly disturbing seals. Wales supports an important breeding population of grey seals, forming part of a UK population of international importance, with breeding sites that are readily accessible to the public. The proposal would address a gap in the current legislative framework and provide protection for seals from harm caused by intentional or reckless disturbance.

The second proposal would establish a statutory close season for hare, thereby addressing an anomaly in the current law. Unlike other game species, hare have no statutory close season and may currently be killed, injured or taken throughout the year, including during their breeding season. The proposal for a close season would protect hare, including breeding females and their young, when they are at their most vulnerable.

Although these proposals concern different species and environments, they are united by a common objective: reducing avoidable harm to wild animals and reflecting our commitment to maintaining high standards of animal welfare in Wales.

These targeted measures will enable us to act now on clear and specific animal welfare concerns in relation to seals and hare. They sit alongside wider work to bring together, simplify and modernise wildlife legislation in Wales, so that it is more accessible, coherent and effective.

The consultation on the proposals for seals and hare coursing will open on 21 September 2026 and close at midnight on 19 October 2026. The consultation documents will be available via the Wild Animal Welfare White Paper webpage. It will not be live until the consultation opens.

I am announcing these proposals in advance of the consultation opening so that stakeholders and interested parties have as much notice as possible of the issues on which we will be seeking views. My officials will also be engaging with a wide range of stakeholders ahead of publication to ensure they are aware of the forthcoming consultation and have an opportunity to prepare their responses.

I encourage anyone with an interest in animal welfare, wildlife management and conservation, farming and land management, fishing, other coastal and marine activities, and enforcement, to engage with the consultation when it opens. The views received will help inform the future development of these proposals and any subsequent legislation.

This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.