Greyhound racing ban promised in Wales

Greyhound racing will be banned “as soon as practically possible”, the Welsh government has said.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced plans to wind down the sport, which has been criticised for harming dogs.

It follows cross-party calls for a ban, a government consultation and a petition that attracted 35,000 signatures.

Wales only has one dog-racing track: the Valley Stadium in Ystrad Mynach. It would be the first UK nation to ban the sport.

Ministers have been under pressure to ban the sport, including from their own Labour members.

Last Wednesday Mr Irranca-Davies said he would make an announcement “in the spring”, but six days later he said “now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales”.

“I’m pleased to share with the Senedd today that I have seen the strength of feeling on this, and I have listened,” he said.

Mr Irranca-Davies pointed to bans in other countries, including New Zealand where the government announced a ban in December.

No date has been announced for a Welsh ban, but the deputy first minister said: “I want a ban to come into force as soon as practicably possible.

“There will be work to do in ensuring the dogs, their owners, and those involved in the industry around the racetrack, can wind down from this activity while still protecting the welfare of dogs currently within the industry, the local community and the local economy.”

An “implementation group” will learn from other countries and advise the government on how to introduce a ban, he said.