Plan to ban greyhound racing in Wales clears the first hurdle

THE Welsh Government has taken a major step towards making Wales the first nation in the UK to ban greyhound racing after winning a key vote.

- CHRIS HAINES ICNN Senedd reporter [e-mail]

Greyhounds racing at Valley Greyhound Stadium - the last such track in Wales - in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, earlier this year

(DAVID DAVIES)

Senedd members voted 36-11, with three abstensions, to support the general principles of the greyhound racing bill on Tuesday, paving the way for the sport to be outlawed by April 2030. However, the bill will be subject to further votes before becoming law.

Huw Irranca-Davies, the deputy first minister who is responsible for animal welfare policy in Wales, told Senedd members the welfare of greyhounds must remain paramount.

"It is about protecting the lives and welfare of greyhounds in Wales," he said. "Greyhound racing around a track poses an inherent risk of highspeed collisions, falls and injuries.

"Bringing this to an end ... will keep animals safer. This bill shows we are a progressive nation committed to ethical standards, animal welfare and forward-thinking legislation."

He said officials will continue to monitor the social and economic impact, including the effect on the Valley Greyhound Stadium - Wales' last remaining track in Ystrad Mynach.

Mr Irranca-Davies, who visited the stadium in November, added work is under way to ensure targeted support for workers before the bill comes into force.

The deputy first minister told Senedd members: "I took the opportunity to listen to the concerns from trainers, track managers and other industry representatives."

He argued the likelihood of racing going underground was low, telling the Senedd he had accepted most of the recommendations on the bill made by scrutiny committees.

Delyth Jewell, who chairs the Senedd's culture committee which has been examining the bill, expressed concerns about the "accelerated" window for scrutiny. "We hope the reduced timetable followed for this bill will not set precedents," she said.