Welsh Government outlines plan to ban greyhound racing in Wales

The Welsh Government has announced its intention to introduce a ban on greyhound racing, marking a significant shift in animal welfare policy and positioning Wales as the first UK nation to commit to ending the sport.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, confirmed the decision in a written statement published on 18 February 2025. The move follows extensive public consultation and growing cross-party support within the Senedd. According to the Government, nearly two-thirds of respondents to its consultation on a national model for animal welfare supported a phased ban on greyhound racing.

The statement acknowledges the strength of public feeling, citing a petition that attracted over 35,000 signatures and sustained campaigning by the Cut the Chase coalition, which includes organisations such as Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Hope Rescue, Greyhound Rescue Wales and the RSPCA.

In outlining the next steps, the Welsh Government has committed to establishing an Implementation Group tasked with guiding the transition. The group will engage with stakeholders, including animal welfare organisations, industry representatives and local communities, to advise on the legislative approach and practical delivery of the ban. It will also draw on international examples, such as New Zealand, where similar measures are being pursued.

The Government emphasised that the transition must be managed responsibly to protect the welfare of dogs currently involved in the industry, as well as the interests of owners, trainers and those employed around racetracks. The statement notes that the ban will be introduced “as soon as practicably possible,” but does not yet specify a timeline.

The Implementation Group will be expected to consider:

– Legislative options for enacting the ban
– Support mechanisms for rehoming affected greyhounds
– Economic and community impacts of ending racing
– Lessons from other jurisdictions that have phased out the sport

The Welsh Government’s decision has been welcomed by animal welfare advocates, who argue that greyhound racing poses unacceptable risks to dog welfare. However, the move has also drawn criticism from industry representatives, including the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, which has questioned the evidence base for the ban and expressed concern over the lack of engagement with licensed operators.

The Valley Greyhound Stadium, Wales’s only licensed track, faces an uncertain future. Its promoter has voiced frustration over the announcement, citing financial investment and a lack of prior consultation.

Despite the controversy, the Welsh Government remains firm in its commitment. The written statement concludes by reaffirming its ambition to lead the UK in prioritising animal welfare over entertainment, stating: “We are proud to be the first nation in the UK to do this.”

The Implementation Group is expected to begin work shortly, with further updates to follow as the legislative process unfolds.