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

ANIMAL welfare charities have welcomed the Senedd’s decision to ban greyhound racing in Wales, describing 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“For too long, dogs have paid the price for this outdated form of entertainment, with injuries and deaths that are entirely preventable.”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 finally 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 support 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 campaigning 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.

GREYHOUND racing will be banned in Wales after Senedd Members voted in favour of new legislation aimed at protecting the welfare of racing dogs.

The Bill introduces a phased transition period to allow the industry to wind down responsibly, strengthen rehoming arrangements for retired greyhounds, and give enforcement bodies and local authorities time to prepare for the change. The ban is expected to come into force between April 1, 2027 and April 1, 2030.

The legislation reflects a clear policy decision that the risks associated with greyhound racing – including injuries, fatalities and poor outcomes for dogs after their racing careers end – can no longer be justified. Despite efforts by parts of the industry to improve standards, harm to greyhounds has remained a persistent concern.

Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said: “Wales is a progressive nation, committed to ethical standards and forward-thinking legislation. This Bill strengthens our reputation as a leader on animal welfare and delivers the standards that the people of Wales rightly expect.”

The move follows significant public engagement, with thousands of people, campaigners and organisations contributing through petitions, consultations and personal testimony. Their input has played a central role in shaping the legislation.

Commenting on the news that the greyhound racing ban has been passed by the Senedd, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS, who has spearheaded the campaign, said “This is a massive victory for animal welfare, and I’m proud that the Welsh Liberal Democrats have helped deliver it.

“Today, Wales has made a clear statement about the kind of nation we want to be: compassionate, forward-looking, and willing to act when the evidence demands it.” 

A SENEDD committee has called on the next Welsh Government to continue prioritising Wales’s relationship with Ireland, describing it as the most developed international partnership maintained by the Welsh Government.

The Senedd’s International Relations Committee has published its final report of the Sixth Senedd ahead of St Patrick’s Day (March 17), setting out recommendations on how the partnership between the two nations should be strengthened over the coming years.

The committee said the relationship between Wales and Ireland is “deeply rooted, meaningful and dynamic”, with growing opportunities for cooperation in areas including culture, language, energy, research and youth exchange.

The report builds on a 2023 inquiry into Wales–Ireland relations and reviews progress since the renewal of the Shared Statement 2030, the formal cooperation agreement between the Welsh Government and the Irish Government which outlines a framework for collaboration until the end of the decade.

Delyth Jewell MS, chair of the Senedd’s Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee, said the progress made in recent years must not be allowed to stall.

“As this Senedd draws to a close, we are calling for Wales–Ireland relations to remain a clear priority for the next Welsh Government,” she said.

“Our work has shown how valued and vibrant the connections between our nations are, with opportunities for deeper cooperation in areas such as culture, language, youth exchange, energy and research.

“We are urging the Government to recommit to the Shared Statement 2030, to raise the profile of Wales’s cultural and creative links with the European Union, to involve stakeholders more meaningfully, and to ensure that funding keeps pace with the ambition needed to support this relationship.

“Our appeal to a future Senedd committee is to continue this work so that the Wales–Ireland relationship retains its special status and the progress made over recent years is not lost.”

Key recommendations

The committee makes five recommendations aimed at strengthening the partnership between Wales and Ireland.

These include ensuring the relationship remains a priority for the next Welsh Government, with a renewed commitment to the Shared Statement 2030.

The committee also calls for greater emphasis on Wales’s evolving relationship with the European Union, particularly in cultural and creative sectors, including finding solutions for touring artists and enabling participation in EU programmes.

Other recommendations include providing meaningful opportunities for stakeholders to contribute to delivering the Shared Statement, ensuring consistent annual funding for cooperation projects, and asking a future Senedd committee to continue oversight of Wales–Ireland relations.

The committee said continued scrutiny will be important to ensure that the partnership maintains its “special status” and that the recommendations outlined in the report are fully implemented.