Wales considers phasing out greyhound racing
Greyhound racing has been highlighted in recent months by the ‘Cut the Chase’ campaign organised by the RSPCA.
Following a petition signed by more than 35,000 people, Lesley Griffiths, minister for rural affairs, has announced that the Welsh government has accepted, or accepted in principle, all but one of the recommendations on greyhound racing made by the Petitions Committee.
The recommendations accepted include phasing out greyhound racing in Wales.
Other recommendations in the report included considering licensing greyhound racing as part of the Animal Welfare Plan, taking action to improve animal welfare throughout the whole life of dogs, including before and after their racing careers, and looking at other sports where animals compete.
The issue of greyhound racing has been highlighted in recent months by the ‘Cut the Chase’ campaign organised by the RSPCA, alongside Hope Rescue, Blue Cross, Dogs Trust and Greyhound Rescue Wales. The campaign argues that greyhound racing has no place in modern society.
Head of the RSPCA, Dr Samantha Gaines, said: “This is a huge moment for dog welfare - with the Welsh Government committing to a consultation on cutting the chase, by phasing out greyhound racing in Wales.
“The RSPCA now looks forward to working closely with the Welsh Government, and Members of the Senedd across the chamber to further highlight why we need a ban - and to ensure Wales takes a lead in the UK by phasing out greyhound racing, and protecting the welfare of the wonderful dogs currently put at risk by this dangerous sport.”
Wales, as well as the other UK nations, is one of only 10 countries in the world where greyhound racing continues in 2023, but unlike in England, no specific statutory regulation or laws exist to govern the sport.
CEO of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, Mark Bird, responded to the announcement: “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 Greyhound Board of Great Britain (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.”
A debate on the petition will take place in the Senedd on 8 March.
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
