Greyhound racing to be banned in Wales - but opponents still hope for legal reprieve

GREYHOUND racing is to end in Wales after Senedd Members voted in favour of a ban.

- RUTH MOSALSKI Political editor [e-mail]

The Welsh Government said there would be a transition period to enable the industry to wind down.

The Senedd voted in favour of the ban even as legal action by the industry is continuing in a bid to stop it - with supporters arguing the Welsh Government proceeded with its plan even in the face of advice from officials that there was not enough evidence.

In a statement, the Welsh Government said: “A transition period to allow the industry to wind down responsibly, strengthen rehoming arrangements for retired greyhounds, and prepare enforcement bodies and local authorities for the change which will see the prohibition brought into effect between 1 April 2027 and 1 April 2030.

“The Bill reflects a clear policy choice: that the injuries, fatalities, and poor post-racing outcomes associated with greyhound racing can no longer be justified.

“Despite efforts within the industry, harm to greyhounds has remained a consistent reality.”

Huw Irranca-Davies, deputy First Minister 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.”

Opponents of the law have pursued a judicial review.

The Greyhound Board of Great Britain’s (GBGB) case is that appropriate consultation was not undertaken prior to the decision to ban, and that the decision and introduction of the Bill was therefore unlawful.

The High Court hearings have taken place, with hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday last week.

Judgement was reserved, and will be handed down, potentially, as soon as next week.

The ban was agreed as part of a deal with sole Liberal Democrat Senedd member Jane Dodds so the Labour government could pass its budget for 2025-26.