On Tuesday 18 February the Welsh Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, announced that the Welsh Government will support a ban on greyhound racing in Wales.
“The matter has been discussed and debated in the Senedd and, as demonstrated last week, has clear cross-party support,” he said. “Our consultation on a national model for animal welfare, which included questions relating to greyhounds, received over 1100 responses.
“In that consultation, the question asking for evidence and views on a phased ban found almost two thirds of respondents were in favour of such a ban.”
“We are proud to be the first nation in the UK to do this”
He added that a petition to ban greyhound racing in Wales received over 35,000 signatures.
“We also note what is happening in other countries across the world who are taking steps to ban this activity,” he said. “As a result, I believe that now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales. We are proud to be the first nation in the UK to do this.”
The Welsh Government wants the ban on greyhound racing to come into force “as soon as practicably possible”, and will set out specific proposals in the near future.
The news of the upcoming ban was welcomed by the Cut The Chase Coalition, comprising of charities and organisations such as Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Greyhound Rescue Wales, Hope Rescue and the RSPCA. The coalition has long campaigned for the end of greyhound racing across the UK.
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said, “Over the past six years, more than 2,700 dogs have lost their lives in the UK in the name of entertainment, with many more suffering serious or life-changing injuries. This is unacceptable, and we are pleased the Senedd is ready and willing to take decisive action to prevent further deaths and injuries.”
He added, “With Wales now committed to ending greyhound racing, it’s time England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland followed suit and put a stop to this inhumane form of entertainment once and for all.”
“Over the past six years, more than 2,700 dogs have lost their lives in the UK in the name of entertainment”
Vanessa Waddon, Chief Executive Officer of Hope Rescue, added, “With over 35,000 dog lovers signing our petition to ban greyhound racing in Wales, we’re delighted that Welsh Government have agreed that the only way to fully protect greyhounds is to end this inherently dangerous activity.”
“We’re grateful to the Petitions Committee for their support in progressing our petition, and to the cross-party Senedd Members who have supported the Cut The Chase campaign. Wales is once again leading the way on animal welfare.”
