No plans to ban greyhound racing in the rest of the UK following Welsh plans

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A complete ban of greyhound racing within the UK is not likely to take place, after comments made by secretary of state for culture, media and sport Lisa Nandy. 

This comes after the Welsh Government made plans last week to become the first UK nation to ban greyhound racing, with that being put forward following a public consultation which showed two out of three respondents supported a phased ban. 

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Nandy was asked in the House of Commons in regards to that ban being stretched across the UK, with her underlining that “there were no plans to ban greyhound racing,” highlighting the “joy” the sport brings to people and the financial benefits to the economy. 

In a statement reacting to Nandy’s comments, Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) commercial director Mark Moisley said: “We welcome the comments made today by Lisa Nandy, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, that there are no plans to follow in Wales’ footsteps by banning greyhound racing.  

“We are also encouraged by her comments about the joy that the sport brings to many people and the economic contribution the industry makes to the UK. We thank the shadow minister for sport for his question following our meeting with him yesterday to brief him on developments in Wales and we look forward to continuing discussions with politicians across the UK on a cross-party basis to champion our sport.” 

“Greyhound racing is enshrined in British culture and contributes £164m a year to the economy, employs 5,400 people, and remains one of the top 10 spectator sports in the UK – and our priority is to ensure this continues, with the welfare of greyhounds at the heart of this." 

Wales would not be the first country to begin proceedings for phasing greyhound racing out, with New Zealand making the decision to outlaw the sport by 2026. 

The racing minister of New Zealand, cited the “unacceptable” mortality of racing dogs, with the Welsh Government taking a similar line when it came to their plans. 

Pressure from charities like the RSPCA and Dogs Trust has seen the future of the sport come into question, with Owen Sharp, the CEO of the latter charity organisation calling for the UK and Northern Ireland to follow suit and “put a stop to this inhumane form of entertainment”. 

On the topic of animal welfare, Moisley added: “As an industry we have made great strides in enhancing the welfare of racing greyhounds at all stages of their life – but we need more financial support from bookmakers in the way of a compulsory levy to secure the long-term future of greyhound welfare – and the sport.  

“That is why we have launched our 'Keep Welfare On Track' campaign, which is calling for all bookmakers to pay a levy that is statutory rather than voluntary. Next year marks the 100th anniversary of greyhound racing in the UK, and we look forward to working constructively with all governments across the UK to ensure that licensed greyhound racing is set up to thrive for the next 100 years.”