Welfare groups celebrate historic decision as pressure mounts for UK-wide ban

Greyhound racing ban hailed as landmark moment for animal welfare in Wales
Senedd vote ends controversial sport as charities celebrate victory and industry warns of economic impact

ANIMAL welfare charities have welcomed the Senedd’s decision to ban greyhound racing in Wales, hailing the move as a “landmark moment” that will prevent the “needless suffering” of thousands of dogs.

The vote, passed on Tuesday (Mar 17), will see greyhound racing outlawed in Wales following a transition period—making it the first UK nation to take such action.

A coalition of leading charities, including Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, RSPCA Cymru, Hope Rescue, and Greyhound Rescue Wales, said the decision marked a major victory for animal welfare.

The group, known as the Cut the Chase coalition, has campaigned for years to end greyhound racing, citing concerns over injuries, deaths, and poor living conditions for dogs involved in the sport.

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said: “Today’s vote in Wales is a landmark moment for dog welfare and a huge step towards ending the needless suffering of greyhounds.

“For too long, dogs have paid the price for this outdated form of entertainment, with injuries and deaths that are entirely preventable.”

Figures cited by campaigners suggest that since 2017, more than 4,000 greyhounds across the UK have died or been put to sleep due to racing, while over 35,000 injuries have been recorded.

Charities argue that racing greyhounds around oval tracks places significant strain on their bodies, often leading to serious or fatal injuries. Concerns have also been raised about conditions away from the track, including kennelling, transport, and long-term welfare.

Chris Burghes, Chief Executive of Blue Cross, said the legislation would bring an end to what he described as a “cruel so-called sport”.

He added: “The death of just one racing dog is one too many. We are ready to support the rehoming of retired greyhounds and ensure they receive the care they need.”

Hope Rescue, which led a public petition attracting more than 35,000 signatures, said the decision reflected strong public backing for a ban.

Its Chief Executive, Vanessa Waddon, said: “We are proud that our campaign has helped secure this historic win. Wales has put animal welfare first.”

Greyhound Rescue Wales described the decision as “transformative”, with Chief Executive Claire James saying it would end a practice that had persisted despite years of calls for reform.

The RSPCA also welcomed the vote, with Chief Executive Jo Rowland stating that the level of injury and death linked to racing was “simply unacceptable”.

Attention will now turn to Scotland, where a similar vote is expected on Wednesday (Mar 18). Campaigners are also urging the UK Government to introduce a ban in England and Northern Ireland.

Charities say Wales’ decision could set a precedent for the rest of the UK, as pressure grows to phase out greyhound racing nationwide.

However, the move has been strongly criticised by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain.

Mark Bird, Chief Executive of the organisation, said: “This Bill has disgraced the ethical and legislative processes from start to finish.

“All legislators and voters should be alarmed by the repeated failures in public consultation, evidence gathering and overall due diligence in the pursuit of this misguided Bill.

“From the very beginning, the Welsh Government had the choice to opt for a regulated industry—one which upholds high standards of welfare and provides far greater protections for its racing greyhounds than for any domestic pet dog.

“The only thing this Bill will do is destroy people’s jobs, family-run businesses and community touchpoints, not to mention cause significant loss to the Welsh economy.”

He added that Valley Greyhound Stadium had invested around £2 million in facilities, including veterinary care and kennelling, and warned the organisation would continue to challenge the legislation.

“We remain resolute in our fight against this Bill process and await the court judgements,” he said.