Thank you for taking the time to write to me about greyhound racing in Wales.
These gentle, sensitive animals deserve our best protection – which is why both the Welsh and UK Governments must work in unison to protect and safeguard the welfare of these loving animals.
I understand that a petition has been launched to stop the expansion plans of the last greyhound racetrack in Wales, due to concerns over animal welfare. I also understand that there are calls to obstruct a bid by Valleys Greyhound Station in Ystrad Mynach to become a Greyhound Board of Great Britain-licensed and commercial track by January 2024.
Internal reviews amongst animal welfare organisations have highlighted numerous issues concerning the welfare of greyhounds taking part in the sport. This is why the RSPCA, alongside Dogs Trust and Blue Cross, have collectively decided to lobby for a phased band on Greyhound racing in the UK. They have also begun collaboration with Hope Rescue and Greyhound Rescue Wales to end the sport in Wales.
It should be noted that, as the sport’s governing body, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) enforce standards for those under their licence. GBGB has worked closely at the UK level with the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs to ensure actions are taken in areas where the industry could take further steps, including the annual publication of injury, euthanasia and retirement statistics, as well as addressing welfare issues at GBGB affiliated trainers’ kennels. I am aware that GBGB has also launched a long-term welfare strategy to further promote and protect welfare at all stages of a racing greyhound’s life, not just its racing career.
As Greyhound Rescue Wales has stated, many responsible people in the greyhound industry treat the dogs in their care extremely well, fulfilling welfare obligations and safeguarding animal health. Indeed, it’s important to recognise the efforts of the British Greyhound Racing Fund, which collects a voluntary levy from bookmakers across the UK, the funds of which go to directly supporting greyhound welfare and the sport’s integrity. I am aware that around 95 per cent of all licensed betting offices, including those online, are now contributing to the voluntary greyhound levy.
However, we ultimately need to see direction from the Welsh Government on this issue. The UK Government has recently passed legislation which has increased the maximum sentence for the worst animal cruelty offences from six months to five years. It’s with this same ambition that the Welsh Government must take responsibility.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.