Senedd Cymru | Welsh Parliament
Pwyllgor Diwylliant, Cyfathrebu, y Gymraeg, Chwaraeon, a Chysylltiadau Rhyngwladol | Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee
Bil Gwahardd Rasio Milgwn (Cymru) | Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill
Ymateb gan | Response from: Les Penry
1. What are your views on the general principles of the Bill, and whether there is a need for legislation to deliver the stated policy intention?
I am writing to express my strong support for the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill and to urge that the ban takes effect within 12 months of the legislation coming into force. Allowing greyhound racing to continue until 2030 is far too long. Each additional year means more dogs will be bred, raced, injured, or killed, placing greater pressure on rescue and rehoming organisations.
The welfare sector is ready. The Wales Greyhound Partnership (WGP), comprised of nine animal welfare charities, has shown they have the capacity to safely rehabilitate and rehome all affected dogs within a year. The WGP can rehabilitate and rehome up to 258 dogs, with an average rehoming time of just two months. Since its formation, the partnership has successfully rehomed 120 greyhounds, clearly demonstrating the feasibility of rehoming dogs affected by the ban in a significantly shorter timeframe than currently proposed in the legislation.
Looking at New Zealand as an example, in the penultimate year of racing (2024/2025) before the country’s own ban takes effect, injuries to greyhounds rose sharply: over 800 dogs were injured, including 114 broken bones and 17 deaths, making it the deadliest year for greyhounds since the industry was placed on notice. This demonstrates that racing can often intensify when under threat, and Wales must work to prevent the same situation.
A clear, firm end date gives both the industry and rescue groups time to prepare responsibly while protecting dogs from further harm. It is important that the penalties under the legislation act as a strong deterrent to prevent racing from continuing illegally and that the law is flexible to apply to individuals involved, including trainers and owners of any greyhound raced or trialled in Wales, as well as track operators and organisers.
Please take part to help ensure the ban is fully implemented within 12 months of the Act coming into force, so Wales can protect dogs from further suffering and lead the way as the first UK nation to end greyhound racing for good.
Thank you for your attention and consideration.