Thousands of pets across North Wales are set to benefit from continued investment in Animal Licensing Wales, with £1 million confirmed to support its work in regulating breeders and improving welfare standards.

The funding for 2026/27 will allow the specialist team to continue supporting councils including Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd and Anglesey in cracking down on illegal breeding and poor conditions. Rural and coastal communities across the region, where licensed breeding and animal-related businesses are more common, are expected to see the benefits of strengthened enforcement.

Since launching in 2020, Animal Licensing Wales has become a key national resource, helping local authorities carry out inspections, pursue prosecutions and raise standards in licensed establishments. A central online portal has streamlined applications for dog breeders, with plans to expand the system to other licensed activities such as boarding kennels and pet sellers.

The service has helped train animal welfare inspectors across Wales, including officers working in North Wales, ensuring greater consistency in how standards are applied. Veterinary professionals have also received specialist training to carry out health and fitness-to-breed checks on dogs, aiming to spot welfare concerns early and prevent suffering.

Animal welfare charities in the region have long highlighted the impact of irresponsible breeding. Rescue centres in North Wales regularly take in dogs with health and behavioural problems linked to poor breeding practices. Organisations such as Hope Rescue have previously spoken about the long-term damage caused by low welfare conditions and the importance of robust enforcement.

Across Wales, licensed breeders must meet strict conditions covering accommodation, health, socialisation and record-keeping. Enforcement teams have secured significant prosecutions in recent years, sending a clear message that illegal breeding and neglect will not be tolerated.

With North Wales home to both urban communities and remote rural areas, campaigners say a consistent, pan-Wales approach is vital to prevent rogue operators from exploiting gaps between council boundaries. The continued backing for Animal Licensing Wales means inspectors and veterinary teams can maintain that coordinated effort.

Supporters say the investment builds on five years of progress and strengthens protections for animals in licensed establishments, ensuring that pets bred and sold in North Wales and beyond receive proper care from the outset.