Wales could become the first country in the UK to ban greyhound racing

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Greyhound racing is set to become an illegal sport in Wales, according to the Welsh Government’s deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies. 

In a move that would be the first of its kind in the UK, the ban is set to come into force “as soon as practically possible.” 

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The Valley Stadium in Ystrad Mynach is Wales’s only greyhound-racing track but the ban proposal comes after a petition to ban the sport had accumulated over 35,000 signatures. 

"I'm pleased to share with the Senedd today that I have seen the strength of feeling on this, and I have listened," Irranca-Davies said. "I want a ban to come into force as soon as practicably possible.

"There will be work to do in ensuring the dogs, their owners, and those involved in the industry around the racetrack, can wind down from this activity while still protecting the welfare of dogs currently within the industry, the local community and the local economy."

“Our consultation on a national model for animal welfare, which included questions relating to greyhounds,” Irranca-Davies added. “In that consultation, the question asking for views on a phased ban found almost two thirds of respondents were in favour. A petition to ban greyhound racing in Wales received over 35,000 signatures.”

The ban has received a range of support from animal welfare charities including Dogs Trust, Greyhound Rescue Wales and the RSPCA. They said in a joint statement: "Greyhound racing is inherently dangerous for the dogs involved. Running at speed around oval tracks causes significant injury to many dogs.

"In some cases, the injuries are so severe that it is necessary to euthanise the dog. The inherent risks that come with competitive racing are very serious and we welcome this ban.”

Irranca-Davies pointed to bans in other countries, including New Zealand where the government announced a ban in December. 

The ban faced criticism from Mark Bird, who is the chief executive officer for the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, and he said: “This announcement has nothing to do with greyhound welfare and everything to do with pressure from the extreme animal rights movement. 

“Questions should be asked as to why – despite repeated requests – the minister has failed to meet with the industry in Wales, or its regulator, and pre-empted his own timeline to make this call. This statement is hugely disappointing and will do absolutely nothing to support greyhound welfare.”

The ban received further criticism from the former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies. He warned: "There will be illicit greyhound racing going on once you shut the licensed track.”

Banning greyhound racing in England was ruled out by the previous UK Conservative Government. The current UK Government, when asked if it was considering implementing a ban in England, declined to comment.