Greyhound racing in Wales could end in 2027
The Bill will be formally introduced to the Senedd in autumn.
The Welsh Government has published a draft Bill, which could see greyhound racing banned in Wales as soon as April 2027.
The Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill sets out a timeline in which the practice could be prohibited from 1 April 2027, and no later than 1 April 2030.
In a draft released during the Senedd's recess, proposed legislation would make it an offence for stadiums and other venues to be used for greyhound racing. It would also be an offence to be involved in the organisation of such events.
An accompanying statement from Huw Irranca-Davies MS, deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, explains that the Bill is still being prepared and could see changes before it is formally introduced in autumn.
Mr Irranca-Davies said that the draft would allow Senedd members and stakeholders to see the proposed scope and direction of the Bill. It is subject to the Llywydd's determination and so is not published for further consultation.
The proposed Bill is welcomed by Dogs Trust, a member of the Cut the Chase coalition against greyhound racing. It says that 4,034 greyhounds have been euthanised since 2017 due to their involvement with greyhound racing.
James Fitch, public affairs manager at Dogs Trust, said: “The publication of the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill marks a significant step towards ending greyhound racing in Wales, and we are pleased that the Bill will also prevent the training and trialling of greyhounds for racing in other locations.
“While the majority of the Bill is a step in the right direction, we would like it to go further and prevent the breeding of greyhounds in Wales for racing elsewhere.”
The charity also raises concern with the timeline of the Bill. Although it describes the 2027 target as 'great news', Dogs Trust says there is 'no reason' that greyhound racing should continue until 2030.
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), however, accuses the government of trying to 'rush through' the racing ban.
It has also challenged Dogs Trust's statistics, which it says includes deaths which are unrelated to racing. It states that its own independently audited data places the figure at a third of what the charity is claiming.
Mark Bird, CEO of the GBGB, said: “This latest statement from the deputy first minister and draft Bill, published during Senedd recess, is yet another indication that the Welsh Government is determined to rush through a ban on greyhound racing – no matter the cost. The Implementation Group has not reported on its work, nor has any Impact Assessment been published.
“It is hard to fathom how Welsh Ministers and officials can think that this draft Bill should be a priority for the Welsh Senedd and deemed more important than the lives, homes, incomes and health of the Welsh people.”
The draft Bill can be found here.
Image © Shutterstock
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