Wales Proposes Ban on Greyhound Racing by 2030: Valley Greyhound Stadium at Risk
The Welsh Government has put forward a proposal to phase out greyhound racing by 2030, aiming to make it illegal to operate tracks or organize races in Wales. The Valley Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach, the last remaining track in Wales, is at risk of closure following the introduction of a draft law in the Senedd to ban the sport. If approved by Senedd members, the ban will be implemented gradually, with a timeline set between April 2027 and April 2030. An implementation group has been established to guide the transition process, ensuring the welfare of greyhounds and addressing any economic impacts.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced the bill's introduction, emphasizing the government's commitment to animal welfare and responding to public concerns about greyhound racing. The decision to pursue a ban follows a petition submitted by Hope Rescue with over 35,000 signatures, urging for an end to greyhound racing in Wales. A subsequent inquiry by the petitions committee and a report titled The Final Bend? led to a majority of Senedd members supporting the ban.
Evidence presented by the Cut the Chase coalition highlighted the high number of greyhound injuries and fatalities on licensed UK tracks, further fueling calls for a ban on the sport. In response to the concerns raised, the Welsh Government agreed to include the ban in the 2025/26 budget negotiations, securing the support of Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds. Dodds criticized greyhound racing as a profit-driven industry that exploits animals for financial gain, stating that such activities have no place in Wales.
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) oversees racing operations in England, Scotland, and Wales, including the Valley Greyhound Stadium. If the ban is enacted, Wales will become the first nation in the UK to prohibit greyhound racing. This move aligns with similar actions taken by New Zealand, which announced plans to ban the sport due to concerns over animal welfare. GBGB has been approached for comment on the proposed ban.