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The Welsh Government has introduced plans for a phased ban on greyhound racing by 2030, proposing to make it an offence to operate a track or organise races.

Wales’ last remaining track – the Valley Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach – faces closure after a draft law was introduced in the Senedd to prohibit the sport.

The prohibition of greyhound racing bill, published today (September 29), would make it an offence to operate a track or be involved in organising greyhound racing in Wales.

If ultimately passed by Senedd members as expected, the ban will be phased in – coming into force no sooner than April 2027 and no later than April 2030.

An implementation group, made up of industry and animal welfare officials, has been set up to advise on the transition, safeguarding greyhounds and mitigating economic impacts.

‘The Final Bend?’

Huw Irranca-Davies, the deputy first minister, announced the introduction of the bill in a short written statement and will give more details in an oral statement to the Senedd tomorrow.

Mr Irranca-Davies said: “We have listened to the public, considered the evidence and are taking decisive action to prioritise animal welfare. The harm from greyhound racing can no longer be justified in a modern, compassionate Wales.”

In 2021, Hope Rescue submitted a 35,101-name petition to the Senedd, calling for a ban on greyhound racing and raising concerns about welfare at Wales’ single remaining track.

The petitions committee conducted an inquiry and its report, entitled The Final Bend?, was debated in the Senedd chamber in 2023, with a majority of members backing a ban.

More than 2,000 greyhounds died and nearly 18,000 injuries were recorded on licensed UK tracks, according to evidence from the Cut the Chase coalition of campaigning charities.

‘Budget deal’

A counter-petition, which supported greyhound racing in Wales and raised concerns about the potential impact of a ban, received 10,601 signatures.

The Welsh Government agreed to introduce a ban as part of a deal to pass the 2025/26 budget – struck with Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds, the party’s sole Senedd member.

Ms Dodds previously said: “Make no mistake, greyhound racing exists for one single purpose: money. Money from the large amounts of bets placed on the suffering of these poor animals. We are a nation that cares for animals and sports like this have no place in Wales.”

The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) regulates and licenses racing in England, Scotland and Wales, including at the Valley Greyhound Stadium which opened in 1976.

Wales would become the first nation of the UK to ban greyhound racing. In December, New Zealand announced similar plans for a ban due to injuries and the deaths of dogs.

‘Blatantly disregarded’

GBGB disputed the figures provided by Cut the Chase and pointed to its annual, independently audited data that showed 1,100 track side deaths since 2017.

Mark Bird, GBGB’s chief executive, said: “Given the implementation group has not yet reported on the bill, it is concerning that the Welsh Government has decided to rush the introduction of this bill to the Senedd.

“It is disappointing that, despite providing details on the economic contribution the Valley makes, this has been blatantly disregarded in the published impact assessment. 

“It remains clear that the Welsh Government’s move to ban greyhound racing continues to be entirely driven by politics, not by what is best for greyhound welfare.

“Meanwhile, welfare is absolutely paramount in licensed racing and all racing greyhounds in Wales continue to benefit from the strong GBGB regulations in place for their protection.”

Mr Bird continued: “With the livelihoods of so many at stake, we would have expected greater due diligence from the Welsh Government and the minister, who is still yet to visit the Valley.

“Our invitation remains open to all Welsh Government representatives so they can see for themselves how a licensed sport protects welfare and supports the local economy.”