Wales passes landmark Bill to ban greyhound racing

A landmark bill to ban greyhound racing in Wales has been passed by the Senedd this evening.

National animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports has welcomed the successful passage of the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill, and urged the Welsh Government to “implement the ban as soon as possible”

The League supported the Cut the Chase coalition, led by Hope Rescue Wales, which was the main driving force behind the ban.

A similar vote is taking place in the Scottish parliament  tomorrow [Wednesday 18 March] to also ban greyhound racing north of the border. League campaigners are  now urging the UK Government to take the necessary steps to ban this dangerous sport in England.

Jamie Adair, the League’s public affairs officer for Wales, said: “Greyhound racing is cruel from the cradle to the grave, so we welcome this ban in Wales and call on the Welsh Government to name a date for it to be implemented.

“The death and injury toll of greyhound racing is quite simply shocking, and goes beyond what people see at the racetracks.”

Figures released annually by the industry’s governing body the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) show that in England and Wales, a staggering 1,357 greyhounds have died at the trackside from racing since between 2017 and 2024, and 35,168 have sustained injuries.

A 2018 report conducted by Professor Andrew Knight, a veterinary professor of animal welfare affiliated with a number of universities in England and Australia, established racing greyhounds around oval tracks is inherently dangerous, putting huge strain on the dogs’ bodies.

The League is calling for the Welsh Government to move quickly and announce the date for the ban to take hold ahead of the Senedd election in May.

The League mobilised hundreds of its supporters to take part in the consultation the Welsh government held in advance of the bill.

Jamie added: “The successful bill to ban greyhound racing in Wales is a testament to the Welsh Government’s commitment to strong animal welfare laws in the country, backed by the general public.

“We now call on the Scottish and UK governments to follow suit and ban the cruel sport of greyhound racing in both Scotland and England.”

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Notes to editors

For information or interview requests, please contact the League Against Cruel Sports Press Office on 01483 524250 or email pressoffice@league.org.uk

The League Against Cruel Sports is Britain's leading charity that works to stop animals being persecuted, abused and killed for sport. The League was instrumental in helping bring about the landmark Hunting Act 2004, the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021, the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 and bans on the use of snares brought about by the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023, and Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.

We carry out investigations to expose law-breaking and cruelty to animals and campaign for stronger animal protection laws and penalties. We work to change attitudes and behaviour through education and manage wildlife reserves. Find out more about our work at www.league.org.uk. Registered charity in England and Wales (no.1095234) and Scotland (no.SC045533).