News

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

Published

6 months 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.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

7 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

17 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

17 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.