Politics

Plans to ban greyhound racing in Wales clear first hurdle

Published

3 months ago

December 17, 2025

THE WELSH Government has taken a major step towards making Wales the first nation in the UK to ban greyhound racing after winning a key vote.

Senedd Members voted 36-11, with three abstentions, to support the general principles of the greyhound racing bill on December 16, paving the way for the sport to be outlawed by April 2030. However, the bill will be subject to further votes before becoming law.

Huw Irranca-Davies, the Deputy First Minister who is responsible for animal welfare policy in Wales, told Senedd Members the welfare of greyhounds must remain paramount.

“It is about protecting the lives and welfare of greyhounds in Wales,” he said. “Greyhound racing around a track poses an inherent risk of high-speed collisions, falls and injuries.

“Bringing this to an end… will keep animals safer. This bill shows we are a progressive nation committed to ethical standards, animal welfare and forward-thinking legislation.”

He said officials will continue to monitor the social and economic impact, including the effect on the Valley Greyhound Stadium – Wales’ last remaining track in Ystrad Mynach.

Mr Irranca-Davies, who visited the stadium in November, added that work is under way to ensure targeted support for workers before the bill comes into force.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies

The Deputy First Minister told Senedd Members: “I took the opportunity to listen to the concerns from trainers, track managers and other industry representatives.”

He argued the likelihood of racing going underground was low, telling the Senedd he had accepted most of the recommendations on the bill made by scrutiny committees.

Delyth Jewell, who chairs the Senedd’s culture committee which has been examining the bill, expressed concerns about the “accelerated” window for scrutiny. “We hope the reduced timetable followed for this bill will not set precedents,” she said.

Ms Jewell said opponents accepted injuries to greyhounds happen but argued that welfare has improved under regulation, warning of racing moving underground or across borders.

South Wales East's Plaid Cymru MS Delyth Jewell — South Wales East’s Plaid Cymru MS Delyth Jewell

She raised evidence from supporters who suggested these measures cannot address the inherent dangers of racing dogs where “catastrophic injuries are at times unavoidable”.

She stressed that the available data on welfare measures and injuries is highly contested.

Ms Jewell expressed her personal view that the bill should be agreed during the stage-one debate despite “shortcomings” in the legislative process.

The Plaid Cymru deputy leader said: “Nobody, in giving evidence, contested the fact there will always be predictable and unavoidable harms that are inherent to greyhound racing.”

She added: “Compassion should be our compass and the law should reflect that.”

Mike Hedges, who chairs the Senedd’s legislation committee, warned of a lack of consultation and said relevant impact assessments have not all been completed.

The Conservatives’ Gareth Davies, who visited the Valley track last week, recognised welfare concerns but he voted against the bill, suggesting a ban was disproportionate.

Mr Davies said: “I saw, first hand, the kennels the dogs were kept in which were of a very high quality and I was satisfied that the industry is, rightly, more than willing to comply with the very high standards of animal welfare regulation.”

He was pressed by Labour’s Carolyn Thomas about his support for a sport which sees dogs “suffering life-ending or life-altering injuries in the name of gambling and entertainment”.

Mr Davies warned the bill had been rushed through, with “clear evidence that injury rates have fallen to historic lows under the current regulatory framework”.

Llŷr Gruffydd explained he would not support the principles of the bill, breaking with most of his Plaid Cymru colleagues, due to the “highly contested” evidence base. “A strong ethical basis alone doesn’t necessarily make good law,” he said.

Mr Gruffydd told the Senedd the bill was introduced without an evidence base, without comprehensive public engagement and without complete impact assessments.

Plaid Cymru MS Llyr Gruffydd — Plaid Cymru MS Llŷr Gruffydd

Raising the risk of unintended consequences, he pointed out dogs could still be kept in Wales and raced in England – “increasing travel distances and welfare risks”.

Mr Gruffydd warned the bill falls short, saying: “We all share the goal of improving animal welfare but good intentions don’t always deliver good legislation.”

Conservative James Evans echoed these concerns as he argued against a ban, warning politicians were being placed in an “impossible position” without the necessary evidence.

Jane Dodds, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Wales, struck a budget deal with the Welsh Government last year which led to the introduction of the greyhound racing bill.

Ms Dodds, who has owned rescue greyhounds, said: “These are animals that have been raced, they have been cruelly treated and I’m not going to milk that word: it is cruel.” She paid tribute to the Cut the Chase charity coalition which has campaigned for change.

Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats

Labour’s Lesley Griffiths, John Griffiths and Carolyn Thomas; Plaid Cymru’s Siân Gwenllian and Luke Fletcher; and the Conservatives’ Altaf Hussain similarly spoke in support of a ban.

Mr Hussain told the Senedd: “Dogs are being subjected to horrendous injury and death… to maximise profits for the multi-billion-pound betting industry… enough is enough.”

The bill now moves to the next steps – consideration of detailed amendments by the culture committee then the whole Senedd – before a final stage-four vote.

Mark Bird, chief executive of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain which has launched a legal challenge to the plans, said the process showed the Senedd in the worst possible light.

Following the debate, he criticised a “dodgy backroom deal” and an “indefensible policy sham” which ignores the “condemnation and objections” of Senedd scrutiny committees.

Mr Bird warned: “This is neither good government nor good politics. This bill will do nothing to serve the priorities of the Welsh public, economy or animal welfare.

“Rather every instance of animal use in Wales – from horseracing to livestock farming – should prepare to be the next target of the animal rights movement and its political lackeys.”

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

A spokesperson from the Cut the Chase Coalition – made up of Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Greyhound Rescue Wales, Hope Rescue, and the RSPCA – said: “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, 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… to ensure Wales joins the growing list of nations worldwide where greyhound racing has been consigned to where it belongs – the history books.”

Business

Rosemarket Dawn Till Dusk golf club 18-hole plans lodged

Published

18 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to extend a long-established Pembrokeshire golf club, bringing it up to a full 18 holes, has been submitted to county planners.

In the application, Mr and Mrs Young, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a change of use of land adjoining the Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, Furze Hill Farm, Bastleford Road, Rosemarket, to form an extension to the existing golf course, along with landscaping and associated works.

A supporting statement through the agent says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the enlargement of the existing golf course to provide an additional six holes, to provide a total of 18 holes.

“The proposal would involve minor landscaping works to the fields and boundaries and the creation of a small number of ponds and bunkers. The extension would be located on land to the west of Furze Hill Farm and on the opposite side of the road to the existing golf course and clubhouse.

“An altered access to the land parcel is proposed as part of this application, which would provide an improved route for users crossing the public highway to avoid conflict with movements at the main entrance.

“The application site exceeds 1ha and therefore the proposal is considered major development necessitating a Pre-Application Consultation prior to formally submitting the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.”

It adds: “The existing golf course has operated in excess of 30 years and is popular with both visitors and locals. Club membership currently stands at approximately 350 and there is demand for enhancing the provisions of the course.

“The applicants’ sons have recently increased their involvement in the enterprise and in recent years wet winter months have necessitated the closure of the course, or parts of it, due to the ground becoming waterlogged, primarily due to the flat nature of the existing course.

“The extension would provide variation to the terrain, providing, dryer conditions, as well as the ability to alternate between the existing and proposed to maintain use, enhancing the viability of the enterprise.”

The application will be considered by Pembrokeshire County Council planners at a later date.

Business

Plans to rebuild arson hit building at farm with one of largest sheep flocks in Wales

Published

19 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to rebuild a fire-damaged Pembrokeshire farm building, as a family home to help manage one of the largest sheep flocks in Wales, has been submitted to the national park.

In the application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, D B Davies and Sons through agent Harries Planning Design Management, with a supporting statement by Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd, seek permission to renovate an existing fire-damaged dwelling, together with the conversion and extension of outbuildings to form an agricultural worker’s dwelling at Mynydd Du, Rosebush.

The supporting statement through Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd says Mynydd Du is part of a wider holding which includes Eisteddfa Fawr and land around the village of Brynberian, the farms approximately six km apart, with land under control of the applicant amounting to some 1,500 acres, with a further 3,000 acres of Preseli mountain common land also used; the land accommodating a 5,000-ewe flock with 10 suckler cows and followers.

It says DB Davies & Sons Unlimited, has five partners: the two Davies brothers, Berian and Ken; their wives; and Berian’s son, Dyfed.

Berian and Ken are in their late 70s, with most of the heavy work on the farm is undertaken by Dyfed.

Dyfed and his wife Megan are first language Welsh speakers, living some 10 km away in Nevern, while Berian and Ken, and their wives, live at Eisteddfa Fawr, Brynberian.

The dwelling at Mynydd Du, where most sheep are now wintered, is structurally sound and repairable but has been unoccupied since 1990, and was subject to arson circa 2013, the statement says.

It says Dyfed works full-time on the farm, alone with increasing frequency as the older business members are above retirement age, working “long hours out of necessity to undertake all the work associated with one of the largest flocks of sheep in Wales”.

“His working hours are extended further due to the fact that he lives remote (6kms) from the main block of land at Tyllosg, where Mynydd Du is situated in the centre of the farm. Travelling back and forth several times each day during lambing and other times during poor weather, to check on flock welfare is an arduous task and can be dangerous, particularly if driving when tired during inclement conditions.”

The statement adds: “The application seeks permission to repair the fire damaged dwelling at Mynydd Du and bring it back to serve a useful purpose to enable Dyfed to closely monitor the ewes, not only at lambing, but throughout the year when the flock is grazing on the adjacent common land.

“It will also enable Dyfed to be with his partner and young child on a more regular basis than simply at the end of a long day when he is away from their current home, tending the sheep at Mynydd Du.”

The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.

News

Council unveils plans for new state-of-the-art secondary school in Milford Haven

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revealed plans for a new state-of-the-art school in Milford Haven, promising modern, inspiring learning spaces for children and young people across the community.

A newly released video accompanying the announcement features the First Minister, the local authority’s Deputy Leader, the Cabinet Member for Education and the headteacher, outlining what the development will deliver. The plans include specialist teaching areas, improved accessibility, and high-quality outdoor learning and play spaces.

The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient features and modern building standards designed to reduce environmental impact while delivering long-term value.

The scheme forms part of a Strategic Outline Case approval. Any final funding commitment will depend on the project successfully progressing through the full business case process.

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This project represents a major investment in our children’s future. The new school will offer a safe, modern and inclusive environment where pupils can thrive, and we are delighted to share this vision with the community as we move towards the next stage of this exciting process.”

First Minister Eluned Morgan added: “This is fantastic news for pupils, parents, teachers and the whole community. Modern learning environments can make a real difference to pupils and staff alike. The Welsh Government has shown its commitment to new schools in Pembrokeshire as part of our wider programme of improving schools and colleges across Wales.”

Speaking on behalf of staff, pupils and governors, Deputy Headteacher Daryl John said the school community was excited by the plans.

He said: “Milford Haven School recently welcomed a visit from the First Minister, along with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, to mark initial progress on proposals for a new, aspirational school building.

“The development will provide inspirational learning and teaching spaces, offering high-quality, ambitious and equitable opportunities for all pupils. It aims to support our young people to thrive, develop their talents and grow into confident, successful individuals, supported by dedicated staff and the wider school community.”

Stephen Thomas, Headteacher at Milford Haven Primary School, said the project had been long awaited.

He said: “This new school building has been long awaited, and I know how much it will mean to our children, staff and the community as a whole in Milford Haven.

“For many years, our community has hoped for facilities that truly reflect the potential, pride and ambition of our children, and now that vision is becoming a reality.

“This is more than just a new building. It is a statement of belief in our young people and in the future of Milford Haven. It will provide modern, high-quality learning environments, improved spaces for wellbeing and inclusion, and facilities that will open up wider opportunities for our pupils and families.

“As Headteacher, I feel incredibly proud and grateful to see this investment in our community. Our children deserve the very best, and this new school will help us continue raising aspirations, strengthening community links and ensuring every child can thrive.”

The council will now begin a period of consultation and engagement with pupils, staff, parents and local residents to ensure the new school reflects the needs and ambitions of the whole community.