A WOMAN from Gwynedd known for successfully banning the use of wild animals from circuses in Wales has set up another petition.

Linda Joyce-Jones from Caernarfon said she was “shocked but pleased” to hear that her first petition was approved by the First Minister of Wales in July 2018.

Linda later set up a follow-up petition to ban all animals from being used in circuses, a plan which is set to be discussed in the Welsh Assembly later this year.

She has now set up another calling on the Assembly to ask the Welsh Government to introduce a scheme to help pet owners access free face to face veterinary consultations and have insurance costs covered.

“Unlike human health in Wales there is no NHS service for animals that is free at the point of need 24/7,” Linda said.

“Even there is no doubt the that having a pet can have real benefits to people’s well-being. However, for many years, people have and are still struggling with the basic cost of living.

“Under the Animal Welfare Act (England and Wales) of 2006 section 3.16, it states that it is the responsibility of owners to provide five basic welfare needs, with the fifth being ‘protection from pain suffering, injury and disease’. Therefore, I believe there needs to be a change in the laws somewhere.”

Linda decided to come up with her latest petition following the death of her beloved cat Rosa, labelling it ‘Rosa’s Legacy’.

She says that although she felt like the care Rosa received at her local vets was not entirely satisfactory, she also accepted that veterinary surgeons in Wales are currently under immense pressure.

“Veterinary Surgeons who work on the ‘front line’ do so under very challenging circumstances,” she said.

“The insurance industry for companion animals has flourished in recent years. But many responsible owners can still struggle to get cover for their pets, especially if they have pre-existing conditions.

“”I have been convinced for many years that increasing numbers of animals abandoned or signed over to rescues is due in part to people’s inability to fund veterinary care for their animals.

“Some third sector organisations have for many years tried to plug the gap, but even they have had to cut back on provision. Some areas in Wales now have no charity led animal hospitals or veterinary clinics.

“That’s why I want this law put into place to help both companion animals and their owners. It would also help those who work in the veterinary industry."

A link to Linda's petition can be found here: https://www.assembly.wales/en/gethome/e-petitions/Pages/petitiondetail.aspx?PetitionID=1492