News

Greyhound racing ban debate ‘exposes deep divisions’, says industry body

Published

1 month ago

December 16, 2025

GBGB warns legislation is “deeply flawed” as cross-party concerns over process and evidence resurface

THE SENEDD has been accused of “sleepwalking into bad lawmaking” after a Stage One debate on plans to ban greyhound racing in Wales, with the sport’s governing body launching a fierce attack on both the policy and the process behind the proposed legislation.

The criticism follows Tuesday’s debate on the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill, which seeks to make it a criminal offence to organise or operate greyhound racing anywhere in Wales.

In a statement issued after the debate, Mark Bird, chief executive of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), said the way the Bill had been brought forward showed the Senedd “in the worst possible light,” accusing ministers of pursuing legislation despite serious warnings from their own scrutiny committees.

“This entire process shows the Welsh Senedd in the worst possible light,” Mr Bird said. “We have gone from a dodgy backroom deal to an indefensible policy sham which ignores the condemnation and objections that two separate cross-party Committees have rightly shown.”

Committee concerns ignored

The Bill has already attracted significant criticism during the scrutiny process, with Senedd committees raising concerns about the lack of a robust evidence base, the speed at which the legislation was introduced, and the absence of a full economic impact assessment.

During Stage One, Members were asked to consider whether the Bill’s general principles should proceed. While animal welfare campaigners argue that greyhound racing cannot be made ethical through regulation alone, critics of the Bill say the Welsh Government has failed to demonstrate why prohibition is necessary, particularly given that only one licensed greyhound track currently operates in Wales.

Mr Bird warned that voters would “look long and hard” at those Members who supported the Bill despite committee findings that the legislation was “deeply flawed”.

“This is neither good government nor good politics,” he said. “This Bill will do nothing to serve the priorities of the Welsh public, economy or animal welfare.”

Wider implications feared

One of the central arguments advanced by the GBGB is that the Bill could set a precedent extending far beyond greyhound racing.

Mr Bird said the debate had highlighted the risk that other activities involving animals — including farming, horse racing and even pet ownership — could become future targets if campaign-driven legislation replaces evidence-based policymaking.

“What this debate shows is that what is happening to greyhound racing today can very easily happen to farming, horse ownership and pet ownership tomorrow when the animal rights argument takes control of the political agenda,” he said.

“Wales is sleepwalking into an animal rights future that no one has voted for and which ignores common sense, factual evidence and proper process.”

Supporters argue moral case

Supporters of the Bill argue that public attitudes to animal welfare have shifted, and that greyhound racing — even when regulated — involves an unacceptable level of risk and harm to dogs.

A public petition calling for a ban attracted tens of thousands of signatures, and campaigners say Wales has an opportunity to show ethical leadership by becoming the first UK nation to outlaw the sport.

However, critics point out that public consultation responses were relatively limited, and that proposals to strengthen regulation were not fully explored before ministers opted for prohibition.

Judicial review threat

The GBGB says it has received support from politicians across party lines and intends to continue opposing the Bill as it moves through further stages of scrutiny.

“We have been buoyed by the tremendous amount of support we have been receiving from across the political divide in opposition to this flawed Bill,” Mr Bird said.

“We will continue to fight this through its committee stages and through a Judicial Review.”

Cut the Chase Coalition

A spokesperson from the Cut the Chase Coalition, comprising Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Greyhound Rescue Wales, Hope Rescue and the RSPCA, said: “Greyhound racing is inherently dangerous for all the dogs involved. That is why today’s vote is so important, and marks the latest step in what we hope will be the final lap for a pastime which is outdated, and puts animals at unnecessary risk.

“In backing the legislation’s general principles, Members of the Senedd (MSs) have made a clear statement that the risks greyhound racing continues to pose to dog welfare are simply not defendable in the interests of sport or entertainment.

“Across the UK, the industry’s own data shows the thousands of injuries that have occurred in recent years as a result of racing, while hundreds of dogs have lost their lives. Ending greyhound racing is the only way to protect dogs from such avoidable and unnecessary risk; and MSs have today voted in line with public opinion – after tens of thousands of people signed a petition urging the Welsh Government to take action.

“In the months ahead, we look forward to continuing to work with MSs as this legislation progresses through the Welsh Parliament, to ensure Wales joins the growing list of nations worldwide where greyhound racing has been consigned to where it belongs – the history books.”

What happens next

The Senedd’s decision at Stage One determines whether the Bill progresses to detailed amendment and further debate. If approved in principle, the legislation will face additional scrutiny, with potential changes proposed before a final vote.

As the Bill advances, the clash between animal welfare ethics, legislative standards, and the role of evidence in policymaking looks set to intensify — with the future of greyhound racing in Wales hanging in the balance.

Business

Biffy’s Bar and Restaurant set to open in February with dog-friendly welcome

Published

21 minutes ago

January 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New owners promise fresh menu, familiar standards and a warm reception for ‘furry friends’

A NEW bar and restaurant is preparing to open its doors next month after the team behind it quietly took over the venue formerly known as Salt.

Dayne and Victoria, who took over the business in October, said they have spent the past few months working behind the scenes and are now ready to relaunch the venue under a new name — Biffy’s Bar and Restaurant.

The official opening date has been set for Friday, February 6.

In a message to customers, the owners said anyone who has visited since October will already have experienced the standard of food and service they plan to build on, adding that a new menu is on the way.

They said: “Over the past few months, we’ve been quietly working behind the scenes and we’re finally ready to start putting our own stamp on the place — which will soon be Biffy’s.

“If you’ve visited us since October, then you’ve already experienced the standard of food and service you can expect going forward — because that’s exactly what we’re building on. We’re excited to say we’ve got a delicious new menu coming your way too.”

Dog-friendly

The announcement has drawn plenty of supportive messages online — including one customer asking whether the new venue will welcome dogs.

Replying to Dympna Pettit, the business confirmed it will be dog friendly, saying: “Of course, we can’t wait to meet your furry friend.”

Others wished the owners well, with some saying they were looking forward to trying the new menu and seeing the venue return to top form.

Helen Court said she used to visit regularly before COVID, adding that she was looking forward to giving the new venture a try.

Customers who want to book a table for opening day are being asked to message the business via its social media page or book through the Tableo link.

The owners also introduced Daisy and Dexter as part of the team — describing them as the venue’s “Head of Security” and “Chief Morale Officer.”

Entertainment

The littlest yak heads to Milford Haven this half term

Published

24 minutes ago

January 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Award-nominated family show brings puppetry and music to the Torch Theatre

A FAMILY theatre production nominated for four OffWestEnd Awards is set to visit Milford Haven this half term when The Littlest Yak comes to the Torch Theatre.

Presented by LAStheatre, the show is a musical adaptation of the award-winning children’s book and is aimed at audiences aged three and over. It combines puppetry, original songs and live performance to tell a story about confidence, growing up and self-acceptance.

The story follows Gertie, a young yak who is proud of her curly wool and sure-footed hooves but frustrated at being the smallest in the herd. Keen to grow up and be like the big yaks, Gertie soon learns that there are some things only she can do, in a message designed to encourage children to value their own strengths.

The production has received strong audience feedback during its UK tour, with reviewers praising the puppetry, music and visual design, as well as its appeal to both children and adults.

The Littlest Yak is produced by Liz Bate and performed by a cast including Megan Ashley, Isobel Horner, Charlie Limm and Eloise Richardson. The creative team includes writer and director Barra Collins, composer Joseph Hardy and designer Alison Alexander, who created the set, costumes and puppets.

The show is based on the book by children’s author Lu Fraser, illustrated by Kate Hindley.

The Littlest Yak will be staged at the Torch Theatre on Saturday, February 21, with performances at 12.30pm and 3.00pm.

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults and £12.50 for children. Further information is available via the Torch Theatre website or by contacting the box office on (01646) 695267.

Community

A generous character remembered after death of scaffolding boss Jozef Polak

Published

22 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TRIBUTES have poured in for Pembrokeshire scaffolding company boss Jozef Polak following news of his death.

Jozef, who ran the firm JP, is remembered as a warm-hearted, larger-than-life character in the community. Those who knew him said he was the sort of person who would step in to help without hesitation — and who brought humour and energy wherever he went.

On social media, messages quickly filled with heartbreak and affection. “My best mate… taken too soon,” wrote Adam Rogers. Timothy Jones added: “Sad news. RIP mate,” while Gareth Williams said: “RIP Joe thoughts with all the family”.

Several people spoke about his personality and generosity. Ginge Davies said: “Rip JP truly a great guy… a complete nutter with a heart of gold… he was such a good laugh,” adding his thoughts were with Jozef’s family, friends and Johnston FC.

Others remembered him from childhood as kind and well mannered. Simon Narbett wrote: “Spent many weekends around our house as a kid in Johnston… always very polite and well mannered boy, nice family too. RIP Jozef.”

The sense of shock was clear in many posts. “Shocked hear this news tonight r.i.p mate,” wrote Adrian Griffiths, while Stephen Evans said: “Really shocked to hear this tonight RIP JP.” Rob Griff added: “So sad to hear this, life can be so cruel… He sure was a Character!!”

Jozef was also a long-standing supporter of The Pembrokeshire Herald, advertising regularly and remaining a valued customer for 13 years. The Herald team worked with him on a number of stories over that period, including the controversial collapse of Mustang Marine, which left a number of contractors out of pocket.

Johnston Football Club said Jozef was central to the life of the club and the wider village, describing him as a “club legend” whose backing helped shape one of the most successful periods in its history.

The club said his association began at the start of the century through his father’s sponsorship, with Jozef stepping up his involvement around 2012 — a period that culminated in Johnston lifting the West Wales Cup.

They said his support was constant and practical, helping fund more than 20 senior team kits along with junior and minis kits, balls, training tops, tracksuits and other essentials. His generosity also extended to bailing the club out with work needed on the changing rooms, adding: “We never had to ask twice.”

In recent years, Johnston said, it became almost routine to ring him when something needed doing. “He’d simply ask, ‘How much do you want?’” the club said.

They ended their tribute: “RIP to a true legend of the club.”