Senedd Votes to Ban Greyhound Racing in Wales
Greyhound racing is set to be banned in Wales following a vote by Senedd members to outlaw the sport. The decision received support from animal welfare organizations, which highlighted that thousands of dogs in the UK have died in recent years due to participation in what they describe as an "inherently dangerous" sport.
Despite the vote, the legislation faces a legal challenge and accusations that ministers did not conduct proper consultations before proceeding. Prior to the vote, it was revealed that civil servants had advised the Welsh government that insufficient evidence had been gathered to justify a ban. Welsh ministers declined to comment on this matter, citing "ongoing litigation."
The Senedd approved the ban with 39 votes in favor, 10 against, and two abstentions. According to the legislation, the earliest the ban could take effect is April 2027, with a latest implementation date of April 2030.
Current Greyhound Racing Scene in Wales and Scotland
Wales currently has only one greyhound racing track, Valley Greyhounds, located in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly county. Meanwhile, the Scottish Parliament is scheduled to discuss banning the sport on Wednesday. Scotland currently has no active tracks following the closure of its last venue last year.
Political Context and Legal Proceedings
The decision by Labour Welsh ministers to pursue the ban was part of an agreement with Welsh Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds to secure the passage of their budget through the Senedd last year.
Recently, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) filed an application for judicial review, which was heard in Cardiff last week. A judgment on this case is expected within weeks. The GBGB has accused the Welsh government of failing to conduct a lawful consultation and is seeking to have the ban declared unlawful.
Government Advice and Concerns
In advice provided to Rural Affairs Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies, officials warned of a "high risk" of a court challenge against the ban. The officials recommended developing proposals for licensing greyhound owners, stating that such measures would offer "the best balance of welfare gains" for the dogs involved.
