THE WELSH Government is set to launch a consultation on phasing out greyhound racing in Wales, in what has been called a “huge moment” for dog welfare.

On Wednesday, February 15, the minister for rural affairs Lesley Griffiths, confirmed to Senedd members that she has now responded to a recent Petitions Committee report, which saw a majority of Members back phasing out the sport in Wales.

The Minister confirmed she has accepted, or accepted in principle, all recommendations from the committee - bar one.

Recommendations supported by the Minister include "that Welsh Government action should include a phased ban on greyhound racing in Wales" - which would result in the sport no longer taking place in the country.

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The announcement follows campaigning on the issue from the RSPCA - alongside Hope Rescue, Blue Cross, Dogs Trust and Greyhound Rescue Wales, who are all part of the 'Cut the Chase' campaign.

Wales is one of only ten countries in the world - including all other UK nations - where commercial greyhound racing currently continues.

RSPCA welfare experts fear greyhounds are needlessly placed at serious risk of painful injuries and death when competing in organised greyhound racing.

Dr Samantha Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animals department, said: “This is a huge moment for dog welfare - with the Welsh Government committing to a consultation on cutting the chase, by phasing out greyhound racing in Wales.

“With no vets at the track in Wales, and no requirement to publish statistics on injuries or deaths, it’s hard to gauge the true scale of welfare problems caused by greyhound racing in Wales.

“However, so long as this sport is allowed to continue, dogs are needlessly put at risk of serious injury and death all in the name of entertainment.”

A Senedd petition backing a ban was signed by more than 35,000 people. 

In Wales, no specific statutory regulation or laws exist governing greyhound racing - unlike in England. 

However, the RSPCA does not believe regulation will offer sufficient protections for greyhound welfare - and that phasing out the sport is the only solution. 

Wales' only remaining racing track is also not licensed - but RSPCA Cymru believes licensing does not solve the issue and doesn't afford each and every dog with a good quality of life, so has instead urged decision-makers in Wales to phase out the sport.

A debate is due to take place on March 8 in the Senedd concerning the petition.

The Minister was responding to a question from Senedd Petitions Committee Chair Jack Sargeant.

The Leader:

PIC: Jack Sargeant MS at the Almost Home Dog Rescue in Mold.

Late last year, the committee recommended a ban in their report that was produced in response to a petition submitted by the greyhound charity Hope Rescue. 

Mr Sargeant, who is also the MS for Alyn and Deeside, said: "I really welcome the Minister’s positive response and am grateful to the petitioner Hope Rescue who worked so hard to get so many signatures.

“35,000 people signed this petition calling for a ban, making this one of the best signed petitions the committee has ever considered.

“Yesterday’s response from the Minister showed the petitions process is really making a difference.”

Responding to the statement made by the Minister, in relation to the recent Petitions Committee report, Mark Bird, CEO of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, said: "We welcome the Minister’s statement, which outlines the importance of regulation of the greyhound racing industry and how this leads to improved welfare standards.

"We will continue to make the case for greyhound racing in Wales to be regulated and subject to the Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations 2010 through registration with the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB).

"In doing so, we will ensure the welfare of greyhounds is maintained and is strengthened through our own long-term welfare strategy, A Good Life for Every Greyhound. 

“All tracks licensed by GBGB must adhere to the regulator’s Rules of Racing which seek to uphold the very highest standards of greyhound welfare and integrity.

"There are over 200 Rules covering all aspects of how the sport is run and regulated including how greyhounds are cared for when they are at the track, at home in their trainer’s residential kennels, when being transported and into their retirement. 

“Our licensed sport, which places the welfare of greyhounds as its highest priority, welcomes the opportunity to continue our engagement with the Welsh Government and Members of the Senedd on this issue.

"Any decision must be based on robust evidence and data, and we welcome the opportunity to continue to make the case for improved greyhound welfare through increased regulation."