Dear Minister,
I am writing to with regards to the proposed Animal Exhibits legislation currently out for consultation.
It is of great concern to me that this legislation could require me to obtain a licence to show my dog at a dog show.
Whilst I understand that within the guidance exhibitors will be able to show their dogs at dog shows ‘once or twice a year’ I don’t think you appreciate that dog exhibiting is a weekly activity for many owners.
The idea that you will need a licence to show a dog at a dog show seems to me to be absurd. This activity is a harmless hobby enjoyed by people and their dogs for many years.
Here are some questions for you to consider

• Dogs are shown at Welsh dog shows from all over the world. How will the licence system work for dogs from abroad and from all over the UK?
• In the last ten years local authorities have been forced to make cuts and are underfunded. If they can’t keep libraries open how can they fund licence officers to travel the globe licensing dogs?
• Dog shows are social events and allow people to bond over this enjoyable hobby. Do you realise that this legislation could see the death of many small dog shows in the principality?
• Are you aware that if dog shows in Wales die the effect for some people will be devastating?
• Do you realise there will be an effect on the Welsh economy as the major dog shows in Wales bring in thousands of people who spend money in Wales?

To include dog shows within the scope of this legislation is not sensible if the goal is to improve animal welfare. Dog exhibitors love their dogs and their welfare is their prime concern. If dog shows are included in this legislation you will be trying to solve a problem that does not exist.
Finally, I am sure you are aware that dog exhibitors are also voters and they will not vote for politicians who will have effectively killed their hobby.
Yours,