Huw Irranca-Davies, deputy first minister with responsibility for climate change and rural affairs, confirmed the decision in a statement to the Welsh parliament (senedd) yesterday (18 February). A potential ban on greyhound racing has been talked about in the senedd for some time.
Irranca-Davies said there is “clear” cross-party support for the ban and now is the “right time” to push ahead.
“I believe that now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales. We are proud to be the first nation in the UK to do this.”
Support for the ban seemingly stretches beyond parliament with a public petition to stop greyhound racing in Wales receiving over 35,000 signatures.
A government consultation on a national framework for animal welfare suggests further support for the ban. When asked about a phased ban on greyhound racing in a survey, almost two thirds of over 1,100 respondents said they would support this approach.
In addition, the Cut the Chase coalition fighting for an end to the sport is leaning on the government to put the ban in place. The group includes the Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Greyhound Rescue Wales, Hope Rescue and the RSPCA.
Betting and Gaming Council hits out at potential ban
However, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has hit back at the move, saying it and its members are “deeply disappointed” with the decision.
The BGC said in a statement it believes the decision was taken to “satisfy campaigners”, rather than being based on any evidence.
“Greyhound racing is a working-class sport, enjoyed by thousands, and this draconian move will cost jobs, hurt the economy, while depriving people of a long established and legitimate source of joy,” a BGC spokesperson said.
“BGC members are proud to support greyhound racing and contribute significant funds for the welfare of dogs. Last year alone, our members voluntarily donated over £7 million to the British Greyhound Racing Fund for the welfare of greyhounds.”
Greyhound Board of Great Britain also critical
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has also blasted the decision. CEO Mark Bird agreed it has “nothing to do greyhound welfare” and instead pressure from the “extreme” animal rights movement.
In a statement, Bird questioned the government’s consultation and how it highlighted a “lack of evidence” to support a ban.
He hit out at Irranca-Davies for not meeting with industry members in Wales, despite repeated requests to do so. Bird also noted how Irranca-Davies, however, did meet with campaign groups that he said are known to use “shock tactics and misleading information to achieve their ends”.
“We have engaged in the consultation process in good faith as regulator for the sport, but this statement is hugely disappointing and will do absolutely nothing to support greyhound welfare,” Bird said.
“Right time” to ban greyhound racing in Wales
Irranca-Davies added that he wants the ban to be enforced as soon as practicably possible, but he acknowledged the steps the government will need to take to wind down racing will take time.
“There will be work to do in ensuring the dogs, their owners and those involved in the industry around the racetrack, can wind down from this activity while still protecting the welfare of dogs currently within the industry, the local community and the local economy,” he said.
The Welsh government will set up an implementation group to oversee the process. This group will engage with stakeholders and learn from approaches in other countries – including New Zealand – to advise the government.
Wales will join New Zealand in implementing such a ban, as the government announced plans to end greyhound racing in December. Racing minister Winston Peters said at the time he hoped to introduce legislation to facilitate the shut-down this year.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/wales-to-ban-greyhound-racing/
