A SENIOR Welsh Conservative has accused the UK Government of launching a “spiteful attack on rural communities” after confirming plans to ban trail hunting as part of a new animal welfare strategy.

South Wales Central MS Andrew RT Davies said the proposed ban had nothing to do with animal welfare and was instead driven by “urban elites who neither understand nor care for the countryside”.

Trail hunting, which involves laying a scent trail for hounds to follow rather than pursuing a live animal, has remained legal since the Hunting Act came into force in 2004. Ministers now say the practice is being used as a “smokescreen” for illegal hunting and should be outlawed.

However, Mr Davies dismissed that justification as “spurious”, arguing that no animals are killed during trail hunting and that genuine animal welfare concerns are being ignored.

He pointed to the continued problem of illegal hare coursing in parts of south Wales, particularly in the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend, which he described as “cruel” and largely unchallenged.

Mr Davies said: “Banning trail hunting is another attack on our rural communities. No animals are killed.

“This policy is being imposed by urban elites who neither understand nor care for the countryside.

“In the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend, we face real problems with hare coursing. It’s an illegal practice. It’s cruel.

“Have authorities done anything about this? No. It still goes on.

“This shows the real motive behind this ban. It’s not animal welfare. It’s a spiteful attack on the rural way of life.”

The UK Government has said the ban fulfils a manifesto commitment and insists trail hunting is being misused to circumvent existing hunting laws. Ministers have confirmed a consultation on the details of the ban will take place in the new year.

Countryside groups have warned the move could harm rural economies and further alienate farming and hunting communities, who already feel overlooked by policymakers.

Trail hunting is already banned in Scotland, while hunting with dogs remains legal in Northern Ireland.

Critics of the ban argue that enforcement resources would be better directed at tackling proven illegal activities, such as hare coursing, rather than outlawing a practice they say is lawful and regulated.

Charity welcomes plans covering farmed animals, pets and wildlife but urges stronger laws and enforcement

THE RSPCA has welcomed the UK Government’s newly announced animal welfare strategy, describing it as an “important first step” towards improving the lives of millions of animals across the country.

The strategy, published on Sunday (Dec 21), sets out proposed measures aimed at improving welfare standards for farmed animals, pets and wildlife, including plans to tackle cages for laying hens, pig farrowing crates, CO₂ stunning of pigs, trail hunting, snares and the extreme breeding of dogs.

The charity said the proposals could mark meaningful progress if followed through with strong legislation and enforcement.

Thomas Schultz-Jagow, the RSPCA’s Director of Advocacy and Prevention, said: “We welcome the UK Government’s new animal welfare strategy, which is an important first step towards improving the lives of millions of farmed animals, pets and wildlife.

“People in the UK care deeply about animals and want to see governments leading the way by outlawing cruel practices and introducing laws that treat animals with the kindness and respect they deserve.”

Farming practices under scrutiny

Lower-welfare farming remains the single biggest welfare challenge, the RSPCA said, with more than a billion animals farmed for food in the UK each year.

The strategy proposes action on keeping animals in cages and on the continued use of high-concentration carbon dioxide to stun pigs at slaughter – a practice the RSPCA says causes significant distress and suffering and has campaigned against for more than a decade.

The Government also plans to promote slower-growing chicken breeds. Around 90% of meat chickens in the UK are fast-growing breeds, which often suffer from lameness, heart defects and early death due to the speed at which they are reared.

For the first time, the strategy proposes consulting on welfare standards for fish slaughter and guidance on killing decapod crustaceans, including potentially banning live boiling. Decapods were formally recognised as sentient under the Animal Sentience Act 2022.

RSPCA Assured scheme highlighted

RSPCA Assured, the charity’s ethical food label, currently assesses more than 4,000 farms and businesses against higher welfare standards.

Executive Director Toby Baker said: “When we visit an RSPCA Assured member farm, we see healthy animals with space to move, rest and feed, free from crates and cages. That is what we want for all farmed animals.

“Creating a kinder food system is achievable. Thirty years ago battery cages for hens were the norm, yet today around 80% of eggs produced in the UK are cage-free. That shows what can be achieved when government, farmers and welfare experts work together.”

However, the RSPCA expressed disappointment that mandatory method-of-production labelling was not included in the strategy, despite a Government consultation last year showing 99% public support for clearer food labelling.

Measures on pets and breeding

The strategy also includes proposals to tighten dog-breeding regulations, require all breeders to be registered, and license currently unregulated dog fertility clinics. The charity said this could help tackle puppy farming and the extreme breeding of dogs with exaggerated traits, such as flat faces, which often lead to lifelong health problems.

David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said: “Health and welfare must come first when breeding pets. Exaggerated traits are causing widespread suffering, and breeders must put animals’ wellbeing ahead of appearance or profit.”

The Government has also proposed licensing pet rescue and rehoming centres, a move the RSPCA said should apply to both pets and wildlife.

Wildlife protections welcomed

On wildlife, the charity welcomed a planned consultation on banning trail hunting, moves towards outlawing snares in England, restrictions on spring traps, and the introduction of a statutory closed season for hares.

The RSPCA said mounting evidence suggests trail hunting is being used as a cover for illegal hunting with dogs, while snares continue to cause widespread suffering to both target and non-target animals.

David Bowles added: “We need a robust animal welfare strategy because how we breed, farm, sell and use animals – or encroach on their habitats – has real consequences.

“This plan is an encouraging start, but it must be backed by strong laws and enforcement to ensure it delivers genuine change for animals.”

FARMERS in Wales have welcomed new legislation which significantly strengthens protections for livestock following dog attacks, with unlimited fines and expanded police powers now coming into force.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 was passed on Wednesday (December 18), removing the previous £1,000 cap on fines for livestock worrying in both Wales and England. Courts will now be able to impose unlimited penalties, while police will have new powers to seize and detain dogs believed to pose an ongoing threat to farm animals.

The new law also allows officers to apply for warrants to enter properties where dogs are suspected of being involved in attacks, strengthening evidence gathering and improving the chances of successful prosecutions.

In a significant update, the legislation modernises the legal definition of livestock and what constitutes an attack, reflecting changes in farming practices and dog ownership. For the first time, llamas and alpacas will receive the same legal protection as cattle, sheep, goats and poultry.

The Act also clarifies that offences can occur on roads, tracks and public paths, ensuring livestock remain protected while being moved between fields or along highways.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW), which has long campaigned for tougher action on livestock worrying, said the changes were long overdue.

Commenting on the legislation, FUW regional vice-president Anwen Hughes said dog attacks cause severe trauma to animals and place enormous strain on farming families.

“Beyond the immediate injuries and fatalities, the stress caused by dog attacks can lead to miscarriages in ewes and lambs becoming separated from their mothers,” she said.

“The FUW has consistently called for stronger police and legal powers to tackle this issue, and we warmly welcome the passing of this important legislation. It represents a significant step forward in protecting livestock, supporting farmers, and strengthening rural communities.”

Ms Hughes also urged dog owners to act responsibly when visiting the countryside.

“Even the most friendly and well-trained dogs have a natural instinct to chase,” she said. “It is vital that owners keep their dogs under proper control and do not underestimate the risks.”