The government has launched a 12-week consultation.

A coalition of animal welfare charities has called for the Welsh government to phase out greyhound racing, as it launches a 12-week consultation on animal welfare.

The ‘Cut the Chase’ Coalition, which includes RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Blue Cross, say that this could be an opportunity for Wales to become the first UK home nation to end the activity.

As part of the consultation, which began on 8 December, the Welsh government will seek evidence that will either justify or negate the coalition’s calls for a phased ban in future.

There is currently one greyhound racing track in Wales, which was previously unlicensed. Earlier this year, it was registered under the regulatory body the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB).

However, the coalition believes that industry self-regulation is incompatible with protecting the welfare of greyhounds.

The RSPCA believes that greyhounds are being placed at serious risk of injury and death during races. They quote GBGB statistics that say that 244 greyhounds had died and 4,354 injuries had occurred as a result of greyhound racing in the past year.

A 2022 report found that the majority of Senedd Members on the Welsh Parliament’s Petitions Committee supported a racing ban. This was followed by a public petition, which found over 18,000 people from Wales also supported it.

Unlike in England, Wales currently has no statutory regulations or laws specific to governing greyhound racing.

The Cut the Chase Coalition maintains that phasing out greyhound racing is the only way to prevent related injuries and death.

Dr Samantha Gaines, from the RSPCA, said: “The 'Cut the Chase' coalition believe the science, public opinion and animal welfare considerations all clearly demonstrate that the time has come for the minister for rural affairs in Wales to act - while globally, the prevalence of greyhound racing has been in serious decline.

"Wales needs to seize this opportunity to phase out greyhound racing for good; and deliver a better life for greyhounds."

We have reached out to GBGB for comment.

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