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Greyhound racing could be phased out in Wales following a lengthy campaign from animal welfare charities.

The Welsh Government is launching a consultation on the matter, which has been hailed as a “huge moment” by the RSPCA.

Last year, a petition by Hope Rescue calling for a greyhound racing ban in Wales got more than 35,000 signatures and led to the Senedd’s Petitions Committee publishing a report calling for it to be phased out.

Wales’ Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, has accepted most of the recommendations put forward by the committee – which includes a phased ban.

A debate will be held in the Senedd on March 8.

Dr Samantha Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animals department, said: “This is a huge moment for dog welfare.

“With no vets at the track in Wales, and no requirement to publish statistics on injuries or deaths, it’s hard to gauge the true scale of welfare problems caused by greyhound racing in Wales.

“However, so long as this sport is allowed to continue, dogs are needlessly put at risk of serious injury and death all in the name of entertainment.”

Dr Gaines said the “decline” of the greyhound racing industry was a “positive reflection of a modern and conscientious society” and added: “We’re proud to have worked closely with a number of other dog welfare charities to call for the sport to be brought to an end – and the announcement from the Minister marks a huge step forward to achieving that.”

Currently, there are no specific regulations or laws around greyhound racing in Wales, unlike in England.

However, the RSPCA said it doesn’t believe regulation will offer enough protections for greyhound – instead it says phasing out the sport is the only solution. 

Greyhound Board of Great Britain reacts

Mark Bird, CEO of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), said: ” We welcome the Minister’s statement, which outlines the importance of regulation of the greyhound racing industry and how this leads to improved welfare standards.

“We will continue to make the case for greyhound racing in Wales to be regulated and subject to the Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations 2010 through registration with the GBGB. In doing so, we will ensure the welfare of greyhounds is maintained and is strengthened through our own long-term welfare strategy, A Good Life for Every Greyhound.  

“All tracks licensed by GBGB must adhere to the regulator’s rules of racing which seek to uphold the very highest standards of greyhound welfare and integrity. There are over 200 rules covering all aspects of how the sport is run and regulated including how greyhounds are cared for when they are at the track, at home in their trainer’s residential kennels, when being transported and into their retirement.  

“Our licensed sport, which places the welfare of greyhounds as its highest priority, welcomes the opportunity to continue our engagement with the Welsh Government and Members of the Senedd on this issue.

“Any decision must be based on robust evidence and data, and we welcome the opportunity to continue to make the case for improved greyhound welfare through increased regulation.” 

Valley Greyhounds expansion

Wales’ only greyhound racing stadium is in Ystrad Mynach and is run by Valley Greyhounds.

Last year, Valley Greyhounds submitted plans to expand its facilities as part of its aim to obtain a professional racing licence – but they were rejected by Caerphilly County Borough Council due to highways and flooding concerns.

The proposals for the stadium included an additional bar area, a function room, a new judge’s box and a vet surgery – but Malcolm Tams, who runs the stadium, said in December he wanted to resubmit the plans.

However, these plans have been heavily criticised by RSPCA Cymru and Hope Rescue, as well as Senedd Members and senior councillors.

The dog rescue charities, which are part of the ‘Cut the Chase’ campaign with Blue Cross, Dogs Trust and Greyhound Rescue Wales, have concerns that this expansion would “intensify” the greyhound racing taking place in Ystrad Mynach.

Additional Reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service