Bill is introduced to ban Wales greyhound racing

THE Welsh Government has introduced plans for a phased ban on greyhound racing by 2030, proposing to make it an offence to operate a track or organise races.

- CHRIS HAINES

at Valley Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach, the last greyhound track in Wales

Wales’ last remaining track - the Valley Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach - faces closure after a draft law was introduced in the Senedd to prohibit the sport.

‘The Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill, published yesterday, would make it an offence to operate a track or be involved in organising greyhound racing in Wales.

If ultimately passed by Senedd Members as expected, the ban will be phased in - coming into force no sooner than April 2027 and no later than April 2030.

An implementation group, made up of industry and animal welfare officials, has been set up to advise on the transition, safeguarding greyhounds and mitigating economic impacts.

Huw Irranca-Davies, deputy first minister, announced the introduction of the Bill in a short written statement and will give more details in an oral statement to the Senedd today.