Welsh Government publishes draft legislation to ban greyhound racing
Welsh Government publishes draft legislation to ban greyhound racing
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The Welsh Government has published draft legislation that would see greyhound racing banned in Wales, marking a significant step in animal welfare policy.
The draft Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill sets out proposals to make it an offence to operate a stadium or similar venue for greyhound racing, or to knowingly permit such activity. It would also criminalise organising greyhound racing events anywhere in Wales.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said the draft Bill has been published to give Senedd Members and stakeholders an early opportunity to assess its scope before its formal introduction later this autumn.
He said: “I look forward to working with Senedd Members on the provisions of the Bill during scrutiny after the Bill is introduced in the autumn.”
While the Bill is still being finalised and may undergo changes before being introduced, its publication signals the government’s intent to bring an end to the sport in Wales.
The move follows the creation in July of a dedicated implementation group chaired by Dr Emily Blackwell, a Senior Lecturer in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Bristol Vet School. The group has been tasked with guiding the transition towards a ban and is composed of representatives from the greyhound racing industry, animal health and welfare experts, and members of social and community organisations.
Mr Irranca-Davies said the ban was part of a wider drive to raise standards in animal welfare. He said: “We want Wales to be an exemplar for the highest standards of animal health and welfare.
“The ban is one way we can work towards meeting that goal, and the implementation group has a key role to play.
“Its combined knowledge will help us as we progress with this important work.”
If passed, Wales would become the first UK nation to ban greyhound racing entirely. The draft Bill is expected to be introduced to the Senedd later this year.
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