Wales will become the first UK country to ban greyhound racing – “as soon as practically possible,” the Welsh government has announced.
Deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies told the Welsh parliament, the Senedd, that he had “listened to the strength of feeling” on the issue, and it was “the right time” to put an end to the sport.
A petition to end greyhound racing on the Senedd’s website garnered over 35,000 signatures. Meanwhile, almost two-thirds of respondents to a consultation on a national model for animal welfare were in favor of a ban.
“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,” Mr Irranca-Davies said.
Responding to the announcement, Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux, president of the British Veterinary Association, said: “When it comes to the use of animals in sport, as a society we have a collective responsibility to ensure that the animals involved receive the highest standards of welfare.
“It’s also essential that policy decisions on this issue are led by evidence and BVA’s ‘Animals in Performance Sport’ working group is looking closely at the issue, examining the evidence to ensure a comprehensive and considered view. The working group is expected to report later this year.”
