The Animal Welfare Network for Wales (AWNW) is an independent initiative set up to bring together all organisations with volunteers who work in the animal welfare world in Wales.

The aim of the Network is to facilitate effective communication between all animal welfare organisations within Wales at a crucial time in the animal welfare world. With a new Animal Welfare Bill devolving domestic and captive wild animal welfare to the National Assembly for Wales for the very first time, it is important that everyone is included in the process.

The National Assembly for Wales has a Compact with the Voluntary Sector, which allows for a seat on animal welfare on the Third Sector Partnership Council (TSPC). The RSPCA holds that seat and is helping to establish this independent self-governing Network to facilitate information across all interested groups in Wales.

Why is this Network being created?

How will the Network function?

What is the Third Sector Partnership Council?

Who will hold member information and what information will be kept?

Who are the other members?

What if our organisation is diametrically opposed to another member?

Why should I join?

Why is this Network being created?

To effectively represent volunteering in animal welfare in Wales, the Welsh Assembly needs to be able to consult widely with as many organisations working in this field as possible. Information from the Assembly on animal welfare is increasing all the time and more groups need to be influencing the agenda. The Assembly’s Animal Health and Welfare Strategy and the new Animal Welfare Bill are just two of these key areas.

A Committee has been elected to democratically manage the Network and the content of the website. All information for members will be posted on the website. This information will include the meeting papers for the TSPC. Members will be regularly asked for their input on the papers and will also be notified of all relevant consultations from the National Assembly for Wales.

The Third Sector Partnership Council (TSPC) is a key body in maintaining regular dialogue between the voluntary sector and the National Assembly. For more information please go to the TSPC section of this site.

The only information that will be held on member organisations will be the information provided by that member. If an organisation does not want to be a member, no information will be held whatsoever, but there will be a record that that organisation was contacted. It is important that there is a record of all organisations that have been invited to join, so that we can demonstrate the network is open to all organisations working in animal welfare.

Who are the other members?

We have currently found over 500 organisations working in animal welfare in Wales. From large re-homing and rehabilitation centres to small 2-person care teams, and from wildlife centres to campaigning organisations. To find out who is a member or to view your own entry (if you have joined) go to the Members section of this site.

This is bound to happen in such a diverse and large membership. We would urge people not to let this discourage them from joining. All contributions will be welcomed and there will be an opportunity for all members to be heard – membership for all organisations is entirely equal. The Network will ensure that all organisations, not just the largest, has the same access to information-sharing and a platform to voice opinions and join discussion groups. In addition, all members will be bound by the ’Standing Orders’ – which outlines the behaviour expected of members – one of which will be that no organisation can attempt to disparage another, at Network meetings or on the Network’s website. As a large Network we can achieve far more as a unit than as individual organisations and we have more in common than we have differences. To view a copy of the Standing Orders please click here.

Why should I join?

No doubt you will have a wealth of knowledge that other groups could benefit from and no doubt you have ideas for solutions. Even more importantly you are likely to be affected by the Animal Health & Welfare Strategy and certainly the Animal Welfare Act and you will want to know more and crucially influence the direction policies will take.

All issues relating to current welfare issues within Wales will be posted on this site.  Membership will mean that not only will you have access to upto date, comprehensive animal welfare information, but you will also have a route to an array of other organisations that are likely to be dealing with the same issues as you on a daily basis.

The AWNW also provides a list of its members to Local Authorities as part of the Companion Animal Welfare Enhancement Scheme (CAWES), which opperate four forums based around Wales for input into how local authorities can support animal welfare.

Membership is voluntary and is free of charge.