News

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

Published

4 weeks 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.

Entertainment

Story of friendship and history becomes a profound study of complicated humanity

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WITH the Torch Theatre’s popular £5 cinema ticket offer running throughout January and February, Eleanor the Great is a standout screening not to be missed.

The film features a remarkable central performance from June Squibb, who shines as Eleanor Morgenstein, a sharp-witted and spirited 94-year-old whose carefully told story begins to take on a dangerous life of its own.

Eleanor has always prided herself on staying connected to the world around her. Following a devastating loss, she leaves Florida for New York City to live with her daughter and grandson, hoping to rebuild family ties. Instead, she finds herself increasingly isolated and invisible. A chance encounter leads her into a support group where she does not quite belong, and in an unguarded moment she shares a story that unexpectedly draws attention she never intended to seek.

As a young journalism student begins to pursue Eleanor as both a friend and mentor, the consequences of that story grow increasingly complex. When the situation spirals beyond her control, Eleanor is forced to confront the truth — and the cost of the life she has allowed others to believe.

Critics have praised Squibb’s performance. The Guardian described her as giving “an enjoyably twinkly performance,” while Empire Magazine noted: “The plot is predictable and the look unmemorable, but Johansson has nevertheless crafted a pleasingly old-fashioned character piece with just enough bite to balance its emotion.”

In her directorial debut, Scarlett Johansson delicately weaves themes of ageing, family, loss and the blurred line between truth and deceit. What begins as a quiet story of friendship and memory gradually unfolds into a thoughtful and deeply human exploration of identity.

Eleanor the Great will be screened at the Torch Theatre on:

Friday, January 16 at 5:15pm
Saturday, January 17 at 4:15pm
Sunday, January 18 at 7:15pm
Tuesday, January 20 at 7:45pm

Tickets are priced at £5 as part of the January cinema offer. For more information, visit the Torch Theatre website or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

Health

Cardigan same-day urgent care service to open this weekend

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A SAME-DAY urgent care service in Cardigan will open this weekend to help relieve pressure on local hospitals.

The Same Day Urgent Care (SDUC) service at Cardigan Integrated Care Centre (SA43 1JX) will be open on Saturday, January 10, and Sunday, January 11, between 9:00am and 6:30pm, supporting services across the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

The service brings together urgent primary care, minor injuries treatment, and some same-day urgent care in one location, led by experienced advanced urgent care practitioners.

Patients are asked not to attend without an appointment and should first phone 01239 807019 to speak with a triage nurse, who will assess their needs and arrange an appropriate appointment time.

Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said:
“Our hospitals are currently dealing with significant demand, which is leading to long waits in our emergency departments.

“The Same Day Urgent Care service in Cardigan is an excellent alternative for people who need treatment over the weekend.

“I’d like to thank the service for working quickly to extend their opening hours this weekend. This will provide important support for our wider healthcare system. I’d also like to thank our community for helping us to help you by choosing the right service in the right place.”

X-ray facilities will not be available this weekend. However, patients are still encouraged to phone the triage service on 01239 807019 for advice and guidance.

Health services remain under pressure due to increased demand. By choosing the most appropriate service, patients can help ensure NHS resources are used responsibly and that staff are able to care for those most in need.

Anyone unsure which service they need for an illness or injury can visit:
https://hduhb.nhs.wales/help-us-help-you

Further information and directions for Cardigan’s Same Day Urgent Care service are available at:
https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/hospitals-and-centres/same-day-urgent-care/

In a life-threatening emergency, always dial 999.

News

Search of River Teifi continues as police scale back multi-agency response

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family kept informed as officers urge public to avoid unsafe independent searches

A POLICE search of the River Teifi in Cardigan will continue over the weekend as officers look for a man who entered the water during the early hours of Sunday (Jan 4).

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police have spent the past five days searching the river and its banks alongside colleagues from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the RNLI and HM Coastguard.

The man is believed to be 30-year-old Kurtis Brook. Police say they remain in close contact with his family to ensure they are kept updated and supported.

Despite the large-scale operation, Kurtis has not been located.

Because of the nature of the incident and the time that has passed since the last sighting, the multi-agency element of the response is now being stood down. The search will continue under the direction of Dyfed-Powys Police.

Chief Inspector Richard Yelland said the outcome so far was not what officers or the family had hoped for.

“Sadly, the search to date has not resulted in the outcome we were hoping for, and we have communicated this to Kurtis’s family,” he said.

“We remain committed to finding Kurtis and will continue to do all we can in the coming days to bring him home.”

He added that police retain the specialist capability to continue searching on the water with the force’s marine unit, along the riverbanks on foot, and from the air using drones, which will be deployed when appropriate by trained search managers.

Chief Insp Yelland also thanked members of the public who have volunteered to help.

“Over the past few days we have coordinated volunteer searches, and we are grateful to those who have adhered to our search parameters,” he said. “It shows how close-knit the Cardigan community is, and we know the family has taken comfort from the support shown.”

However, he warned against uncoordinated efforts.

“There are risks in carrying out independent searches. If there are safe areas that can be searched, we will communicate this. Your cooperation helps keep everyone safe and respects the integrity of the search operation.”

Anyone with information that could assist officers — or if the person who entered the water is now safe — is asked to contact police quoting reference 52 of Sunday (Jan 4):

• Online via Dyfed-Powys Police
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 101