Passports for horses to tackle number abandoned
It's the first scheme of its kind in Wales, which is also trying to crack down on the number of stolen horses being sold.
"Dragon" found in Swansea garden
The RSPCA are appealing for anyone who may own a bearded dragon which has been found in a Swansea garden
Catch me if you can!
An escaped rhea that was on the run at a golf course in South Wales has been caught.
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RSPCA: "It's an expensive business having an animal"
The number of cases of animal neglect and cruelty in Wales has been revealed today.
Nicola Johnson is an RSPCA Inspector in Newport, and she says some owners don't realise how expensive pets can be.
Increase in cases a 'major concern' for RSPCA
The report shows the number of reported cases of cruelty and animal neglect increased from 146 in 2011 to 174 in 2012, the number of people reported for offences rose from 220 to 288 and the number of cautions went up from 51 to 61. The total convictions increased from 239 to 248.
Some areas in Wales have seen a disturbing increase in cruelty cases and this is a major cause of concern for us.
The RSPCA is leading the fight against a growing animal cruelty crisis. Our staff, volunteers and branches show tremendous dedication but they are struggling to keep up.
For us, prosecution is always the last resort. However last year inspectors investigated 174 suspected cruelty cases and secured 248 convictions
– Steve Carter, RSPCA Cymru national directorWhere there is evidence of a crime and serious animal abuse then we will take legal action to protect the animals and prevent further abuse. We also want to see courts taking these offences far more seriously.
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Animal cruelty cases on the rise
The number of people convicted of animal neglect and cruelty doubled in parts of Wales last year, according to new figures from the RSPCA.
The total number of convictions across Wales rose from 239 to 248 between 2011 and 2012, but the report also found that in Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr Tydfil convictions more than doubled from 23 to 76.
In north east wales, including Alyn and Deeside, Colwyn, Delyn, Glyndwr, Rhuddlan and Wrexham Maelor, convictions increased from 19 in 2011 to 59 in 2012. South east Wales, including Torfaen, Monmouthshire, Caerphilly, Newport and Blaenau Gwent, saw convictions rise from 19 to 51.
Welsh microchipping plan 'doesn't go far enough'
by Megan BootA leading animal charity says Welsh Government plans to make microchipping of all dogs compulsory doesn't go far enough.
The RSPCA want ministers to introduce a compulsory dog registration scheme.
It argues that it will hold owners to account, help reduce the number of dogs abandoned and promote dog welfare.
Watch: Wales This Week - Dogs Collared - calls for new dangerous dogs laws
Vets 'delighted' with 2015 microchipping deadline
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) says it is "delighted" the Welsh Government's announcement that all dogs in Wales must be microchipped by 1 March 2015.
The decision follows a public consultation here.
Compulsory microchipping legislation came into force in Northern Ireland last year, and will be introduced in England from April 2016.
– Bob Stevenson, President of BVA Welsh BranchThis is fantastic news for dog welfare in Wales. Microchipping provides veterinary practices, charities, and dog wardens with the ability to reunite lost and stray dogs quickly and safely with their owners.
It is important to remember that microchips are only as useful as the information held on the database and so we must all work together with the Welsh Government to ensure that dog owners understand the importance of keeping their information up to date.
Thousands of dogs to be microchipped
There are approximately 190,000 dogs in Wales that would need to be microchipped, if it becomes compulsory. There are an estimated 450,000 dogs in Wales and it is estimated that some 58% are already microchipped.
RSPCA Cymru believes that compulsory microchipping will help make it easier to identify the owners of those dogs that have strayed or are being mistreated, neglected, abandoned or lost. The Welsh Government has announced plans to have all dogs in Wales microchipped by 1 March 2015.
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RSPCA welcome microchip plans
The RSPCA has welcomed plans to microchip all of Wales' dogs by 2015. Following a consultation over compulsory dog microchipping, the Welsh Government has announced plans to draw up new regulations. Despite the announcement, the RSPCA says moe could be done.
– Claire Lawson, RSPCA Cymru head of external affairsAlthough we welcome this announcement, we believe it doesn't go far enough. We also believe that the government should introduce a compulsory dog registration to improve dog owners’ accountability, deter casual acquirers of dogs and fund owner education services.
Tackling 'irresponsible' dog owners
– Alun Davies, Minister for Natural Resources and FoodI am pleased to announce that Wales will be making regulations to ensure that all dogs are microchipped by March 2015, creating a proper link between a dog and its owner and helping to encourage responsible dog ownership. In addition, in order to tackle irresponsible ownership, I will also be introducing Regulations on licensed dog breeding later this year.
New dog microchipping regulations
All dogs in Wales must be microchipped by 2015. New regulations to be set out by the Welsh Government aim to set up a clear link between dogs and their owners. It is hoped this will encourage an increase in responsible dog ownership.
Passports for horses to tackle number abandoned
It's the first scheme of its kind in Wales, which is also trying to crack down on the number of stolen horses being sold.
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