Wales Bans Greyhound Racing Praised as ‘Big Step Forward’ by Charities

Wales will soon ban greyhound racing. A ban will start when possible, according to Deputy Minister Irranca-Davies, who told the Senedd this. They must protect the dogs’ welfare, as well as owners and the local economy.

The Deputy Minister announced the ban on February 18, a decision supported by many. A petition had garnered over 35,000 signatures, and all political parties in Senedd backed the ban. One greyhound track remains in Wales, located in Ystrad Mynach.

He noted that other countries had also banned racing. Wales will be the first in the UK to implement such a ban. Next, they will create an advisory group to help with the ban, showing Irranca-Davies listened to public feeling.

Several animal welfare groups reacted to this news, including Blue Cross, which supports the decision after campaigning to end greyhound racing. Dogs Trust also welcomed the ban. Over 2,700 dogs died racing in the UK; the RSPCA views it as an historic day.

Greyhound Rescue Wales praised the government, stating that animal welfare comes first and that Wales joined many countries with a ban. The organization thanked all greyhound advocates, who fought for these animals for years.