Wales set to ban greyhound racing

Greyhound racing is set to be banned in Wales “as soon as practically possible.”

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced the ban, which would be a first for the UK, although there is currently no timeline for its implementation.

The move is the result of cross-party calls for a ban, a period of government consultation, and a petition signed by 35,000 people.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: “A petition to ban greyhound racing in Wales received over 35,000 signatures. This sits alongside campaign work by the Cut the Chase coalition, which includes Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Greyhound Rescue Wales, Hope Rescue and the RSPCA.” 

Animal welfare charities have welcomed the news, with the Dogs Trust suggesting England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland should also ban the sport.

A Dogs Trust spokesperson commented: “Greyhound racing is inherently dangerous for the dogs involved, and running at speed around oval tracks causes significant injury to many dogs. In some cases, the injuries are so severe that it is necessary to euthanize the dog.”

The RSPCA also supports the ban, believing it will protect dogs from the risks associated with racing.

However, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), which regulates the sport, strongly opposes the ban, stating that greyhound welfare is not the reason behind it but pressure from extreme animal rights groups.

The board said that the Welsh government did not meet with stakeholders in Wales, adding there is a lack of evidence to support a ban.

Chief Executive, Mark Bird, commented: “We have engaged in the consultation process in good faith as regulator for the sport, but this statement is hugely disappointing.”

A Betting and Gaming Council spokesperson commented: “The BGC and our members are deeply disappointed by the announcement by the Welsh Government of their intention to ban greyhound racing in Wales. Greyhound racing is a working-class sport, enjoyed by thousands, and this draconian move will cost jobs, hurt the economy, while depriving people of a long-established and legitimate source of joy.”

Last Wednesday Irranca-Davies proposed an announcement would come in the spring, however this week he stated: “now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales.”

The minister highlighted bans in other countries, including New Zealand, which announced a ban in December 2024. The government will call for an “implementation group” to add detail to plans and learn from how other countries have imposed bans.

The date the ban will come into effect has not been announced, but Irranca-Davies 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.”