REFORM UK candidate Scott Thorley has won the Hakin by-election after securing 179 votes.

The full result is as follows:

• Derrick Abbott (Independent) – 11
• Sam Booth (Wales Green Party) – 85
• Lee James Bridges (Independent) – 106
• Duncan Edwards (Independent) – 52
• Nicola Catherine Harteveld (Welsh Labour) – 27
• Brian Taylor (Welsh Conservative Party) – 144
• Scott Thorley (Reform UK) – 179
• Sam Warden (Welsh Liberal Democrats) – 57

A total of 661 votes were cast, with turnout at 32.7%, including 271 postal votes.

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“For too long, dogs have paid the price for this outdated form of entertainment, with injuries and deaths that are entirely preventable.”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