Greyhound racing is set to be banned in Wales, while Scotland has also taken steps towards ending the sport, following recent parliamentary votes.
On 17 March, the Welsh Senedd passed the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill, making it an offence to organise greyhound racing or operate a stadium used for the activity. The legislation includes a transition period, with the ban expected to come into force between 1 April 2027 and 1 April 2030.
The Welsh Government said the decision reflects concerns over injuries, fatalities and welfare outcomes for racing greyhounds. Despite efforts within the industry, it concluded that harm to dogs has remained a consistent issue.
Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said, “Wales is a progressive nation, committed to ethical standards and forward-thinking legislation. This Bill strengthens our reputation as a leader on animal welfare and delivers the standards that the people of Wales rightly expect.
“Thousands of members of the public, campaigners, and stakeholders contributed to shaping this legislation through campaigns, petitions, and personal testimony. Their voices have been central to its development.”
The decision has been welcomed by the Cut the Chase coalition, which includes Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Greyhound Rescue Wales, Hope Rescue and RSPCA Cymru, organisations that have campaigned to end greyhound racing.
However, the move has faced opposition from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, which argued there had been insufficient consultation. The High Court in Wales heard arguments related to a Judicial Review last week, with a judgment expected between 23rd March and 7th April.
“We remain resolute in our fight against this Bill process and await the court judgements”
Following the vote, Mark Bird, CEO of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, said the bill has “disgraced the ethical and legislative processes from start to finish.”
“From the very beginning, the Welsh Government had the choice to opt for a regulated industry – one which upholds high standards of welfare and provides far greater protections for its racing greyhounds than for any domestic pet dog. The only thing this Bill will do is destroy people’s jobs, family-run businesses and community touchpoints not to mention cause significant loss to the Welsh economy,” he said.
“Valley Greyhound Stadium has invested around £2million in upgraded veterinary, kennelling and track facilities, all while offering employment and economic vitality for a community that needs it. Anyone who has visited the track knows how deeply trainers, kennelhands and owners love their greyhounds and the lengths they go to in caring for and raising happy, healthy greyhounds.”
“We remain resolute in our fight against this Bill process and await the court judgements.”
“It is only through love that these dogs heal from their years spent in an exploitative industry”
Within 24 hours of the Welsh vote, Scotland moved in a similar direction. MSPs backed the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill at Stage 3 by 70 votes to 27, with 19 abstentions. The legislation would make it an offence to operate a greyhound racing track or for an owner to race a dog.
The bill was brought forward by Green MSP Mark Ruskell and would effectively close the only remaining Scottish track at Thornton in Fife.
Ruskell said he was “delighted” the bill had passed and described the issue as personal.
“It has been deeply personal for me. In 2015, my family rehomed an ex-racing greyhound called Bert. He sadly passed away last year. He was a wonderful dog, kind and affectionate and so patient with kids – and even with cats – but what I didn’t fully understand, until I started working on this campaign, was the trauma that Bert had endured while racing. It is only through love that these dogs heal from their years spent in an exploitative industry.
“Over the course of my bill, I have spoken to dozens and dozens of dog owners with greyhounds like Bert; gentle souls who had been scarred. I also heard about the patient work of re-homers across Scotland to bring these dogs into their lives and heal them. This bill would not have been possible without the support of campaigners, dog owners and the thousands of people who took part in my consultation. It is a big step forward for animal welfare in Scotland, and I am grateful to everyone who has helped us to get to this stage and to get this bill passed.”
Animal welfare organisations have also responded to the developments. Owen Sharp, Chief Executive at Dogs Trust, said, “This incredible news comes hours after Wales also took decisive action to end greyhound racing – two huge steps towards ending the needless suffering of greyhounds.”
Hope Rescue said, “Whilst the greyhound racing industry celebrate 100 years of greyhound racing in the UK, Wales and Scotland have recognised that greyhound racing is inherently dangerous and only a ban can protect greyhounds from the risk of injury and death every time they race. What an incredible couple of days for greyhound welfare!”
Emma Slawinski, chief executive at the League Against Cruel Sports, called for the UK Government to follow suit and ban greyhound racing in England as well.
She said, “The UK government has pledged to deliver the most ambitious animal welfare reforms in a generation and banning the dangerous sport of greyhound racing in England should be part of their strategy.”
Outside of the UK, greyhound racing remains legal in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and a few states in the US.
