More than a third support greyhound racing ban as Welsh Government publishes results of consultation

More than a third of people support the idea of banning greyhound racing in Wales, according to the results of a Welsh Government consultation.

Of nearly 740 individual responses, 36.37% were in favour of introducing a phased ban, compared to 25.12% against it.

Nearly three-quarters also agreed that a licensing scheme should be introduced in Wales to strengthen existing legislation around activities like greyhound racing.

The consultation did not contain a recommendation as to whether a potential ban would be considered. This was met with disappointment by dog and animal charities, describing dog deaths or injuries "in the name of entertainment" as "unacceptable".

However the Greyhound Racing Board of Great Britain (GBGB), who regulate the industry, welcomed the consultation publication. The board acknowledged the "clear support for licensing" and was pleased by "the opportunity for continued engagement and collaboration on ways to optimise the welfare of racing greyhounds".

Wales is home to one greyhound racing track, Valley Stadium, in Ystrad Mynach - which is regulated by the GBGB.

The Welsh Government plans to announce its next steps in Spring 2025.

The consultation, which looked into the licensing of animal welfare establishments and activities, ran between December 2023 and March this year, garnering 1,180 responses.

People were asked for their views on changes to animal licensing and the way greyhound racing is regulated. Some of the responses recorded in support of a ban were found to be identical email responses as part of a campaign by the League Against Cruel Sports.

When asked if they supported the introduction of a phased approach to outlawing greyhound racing altogether:

• 667 (64.49%) responses were in favour of introducing a phased ban - 375 (36.37%) were individual responses and 292 (28.32%) were from the League Against Cruel Sports.

• 259 (25.12%) were against a phased ban

• 105 (10.18%) were undecided

Those in support of the ban cited reasons of animal welfare and a belief that the industry is "unethical". Key issues included injuries to animals, overbreeding, inadequate legislation and a desire to prevent unnecessary suffering and deaths.

Respondents on the other side of the argument said a ban would have a negative economic and cultural impact. Many suggested further regulation and licensing could address welfare concerns instead and some feared that this would also set a precedent for banning other animal sports, like horse racing and dog agility.

Another question asked for views on whether a licensing scheme should be introduced to strengthen existing legislation regarding animal exhibits. There were 719 responses to this question, which revealed:

• 515 (71.63%) in support

• 124 (17.25%) said no to introducing a new licensing scheme

• 80 (11.13%) said they did not know

A number of responses suggested licensing would raise standards and encourage accountability. A high number of the responses in support also favoured a ban on animal exhibits.

Of those who answered no, some said they would prefer an outright ban while others said current legislation was sufficient enough. Some respondents raised concern over the financial cost and burden of new regulation too.

More than half of respondents to another question also supported licenses for individual owners and/or keepers or trainers of racing dogs, while 40% were against the idea.

The Welsh Government has not yet announced how it will move forward from the results of the consultation.

The Cut the Chase Coalition, which consists of Dogs Trust, RSPCA Cymru, Blue Cross, Greyhound Rescue Wales and Hope Rescue, said it was disappointed that the government has not taken "the steps needed to end the completely avoidable deaths of hundreds of dogs each year by bringing greyhound racing to an end in Wales".

A similar decision was recently taken in New Zealand, where greyhound racing will now be outlawed by the end of August 2026.

Speaking on behalf of the Cut the Chase Coalition, Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said: "The call to end greyhound racing in Wales has received overwhelming support from the animal welfare community, Members of the Senedd, and the public, with over 35,000 people signing a petition demanding change.

“It is unacceptable that so many dogs die or are seriously injured every year, all in the name of entertainment. Wales now stands alongside only a handful of countries, including England and Scotland, where this outdated and inhumane practice persists.

"The Welsh Government must take the only meaningful action to stop this cruelty: end greyhound racing once and for all."

However The GBGB said the responses demonstrated clear support for licensing and an emphasis on a "measured response", that acknowledges "the positive economic, social, cultural and welfare impact GBGB regulation has had on the sport in Wales".

Chief Executive of GBGB, Mark Bird, said: “As regulator for Wales’s greyhound racing track, the Valley Stadium, we have been able to prove how robust licensing can transform welfare standards.

“We are pleased that the Government continues to prioritise a fully comprehensive, evidence based and measured approach to optimising welfare. As further work goes into exploring options for effective regulation in Wales, we remain committed to engaging fully with the Deputy First Minister and his officials in continuing to promote and protect greyhound welfare.”

He added: “Valley Stadium’s management invested significantly in their site to meet GBGB’s robust licensing requirements.

"The track now benefits from the specialist expertise of its on-site veterinary surgeon and ongoing support and oversight of our national network of experts. Indeed, racing greyhounds benefit from far more protections and oversight than the pet dog population across Wales.

“In doing so, the Valley Stadium’s licensing has brought jobs and growth and is enjoyed by a strong core of local supporters, who value the opportunity to see a historic Welsh pastime with welfare now firmly at its heart.”

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