Welsh Government pushes back decision on greyhound racing ban

To many, it is a working-class pastime with almost a century’s worth of history in the UK, while others view it as unnecessary cruelty to animals for the sake of entertainment.

Whichever way you view it, greyhound racing is set to remain a legal sport in Wales – for now – after the Welsh Government pushed back a decision on an outright ban following a public consultation.

The option of a phased greyhound racing ban was part of a 12-week public consultation on the ‘Licensing of Animal Welfare Establishments, Activities and Exhibits’.

The Welsh Government is looking at introducing a no standard licensing or inspection regime regarding animal welfare. Such a scheme could encompass animal rescue centres and activities such as ‘doggie day care,’ professional dog walkers, bird displays at community events, and greyhound racing.

In an update to Senedd Members, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies MS wrote: “Animal welfare is a Welsh Government priority, and I know our ambition for all animals in Wales to have a good life is one which is widely shared. Our proposals for a national model have the potential to affect real and positive progress for thousands of animals across Wales.

“I would like to thank all individuals, businesses, charities, local authorities, and organisations who took the time to consider and respond to this consultation. I also acknowledge the strength of feeling demonstrated in those responses.

“This was a wide-ranging and substantial consultation, and your patience has been appreciated whilst we worked to assess the views, information and evidence submitted. This collective input will be invaluable in helping to inform and shape our future priorities. I will provide a further update regarding next steps in the spring.”

Animal welfare charities said they had been left “disappointed” by the delay while the Greyhound Board of Great Britain described the response to the consultation as a “clear show of support for licensing in Wales”.

Almost 65% in favour of ban

Out of 1,031 responses for the greyhound ban question, the Welsh Government said 64.69% (667) of respondents were in favour of it.25.12% (259) were against a phased ban, with 10.18% (105) undecided.

The ‘Cut the Chase Coalition’, which is made up of several animal welfare charities aiming to end greyhound racing, said it is “disappointed over a lack of action”.

According to data released by the Greyhound Board of Britain, the body responsible for governing greyhound racing, 977 dogs died on the track between 2018 and 2023.

Ystrad Mynach is currently home to the only greyhound track in Wales, Valley Greyhounds, which was granted approval to expand in 2023.

Last year, a petition from Hope Rescue, which called for an end to greyhound racing in Wales, gained more than 35,000 signatures – and the Senedd’s petitions committee reached a majority conclusion that greyhound racing should come to an end.  

Twenty-five Senedd Members from across all political parties have also previously pledged their support to bringing an end to greyhound racing in Wales.   

Speaking on behalf of the Cut the Chase Coalition, Dogs Trust chief executive Owen Sharp said: “The call to end greyhound racing in Wales has received overwhelming support from the animal welfare community, Members of the Senedd, and the public, with over 35,000 people signing a petition demanding change.

“It is unacceptable that so many dogs die or are seriously injured every year, all in the name of entertainment. Wales now stands alongside only a handful of countries, including England and Scotland, where this outdated and inhumane practice persists.

“The Welsh Government must take the only meaningful action to stop this cruelty: end greyhound racing once and for all.”

Mark Bird, chief executive at the Greyhound Board of Great Britain – which regulates the sport, said animal rights groups had led “co-ordinated and misleading campaigns”.

He said: “We are pleased that the government continues to prioritise a fully comprehensive, evidence-based and measured approach to optimising welfare.

“As further work goes into exploring options for effective regulation in Wales, we remain committed to engaging fully with the Deputy First Minister and his officials in continuing to promote and protect greyhound welfare.”