Summary
Greyhound racing is set to be banned in Wales after a vote in the Welsh Parliament. The ban will not come into effect until between 2027 and 2030, and the decision is currently facing legal challenges. The move was part of an agreement between Welsh Labour and the Welsh Liberal Democrats to pass the budget.
Key Facts
- The Welsh Parliament voted to ban greyhound racing by 39 votes to 10, with two abstentions.
- The ban will take effect no earlier than April 2027 and no later than April 2030.
- Wales has only one greyhound track, located at Valley Greyhounds in Ystrad Mynach.
- Animal welfare groups support the ban, citing the deaths of many dogs due to racing.
- There is a legal challenge from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, claiming a lack of proper consultation.
- Civil servants had advised the Welsh government that there was insufficient evidence to justify the ban.
- The ban was part of a political agreement to secure budget passage in the Welsh Parliament.
