PGRWB 20 The Kennel Club

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: The Kennel Club

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?

The Kennel Club is an active member of the Greyhound Forum, working in conjunction with other animal welfare organisations and the industry to improve welfare standards throughout the whole life of racing greyhounds, both at and away from the track.

In response to the Welsh Government’s 2024 consultation - “Licensing of animal welfare establishments, activities and exhibits” - we supported the introduction of a licensing scheme to regulate greyhound racing in Wales. We believe it would’ve been appropriate to try a regulatory solution first, before an outright ban.

2. What are your views on the terms used in the Bill, whether defined or not? In particular, are they workable and will they deliver the stated policy intention?

We believe the Bill as drafted will deliver the stated policy intention.

3. What are your views on the provisions set out in sections 1 – 3 and Schedule 1 of the Bill -Prohibition of Greyhound Racing? In particular, are the provisions workable and will they deliver the stated policy intention?

4. What are your views on the provisions set out in section 4 and Schedule 2 of the Bill - Enforcement? In particular, are the provisions workable and will they deliver the stated policy intention?

5. What are your views on the provisions set out in sections 5- 6 of the Bill – General? In particular, are the provisions workable and will they deliver the stated policy intention?

6. What are the potential barriers to the implementation of the Bill’s provisions and how does the Bill take account of them?

7. How appropriate are the powers in the Bill for Welsh Ministers to make subordinate legislation, as set out in Chapter 5 of Part 1 of the Explanatory Memorandum)?

8. Are there any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

The Bill will ban greyhound racing in Wales, which has the potential to result in negative outcomes for the dogs currently racing in Wales. We are pleased that the Welsh Government has established an expert implementation group. It’s of paramount importance that the welfare of racing greyhounds is given primary consideration in relation to the implementation of the proposed legislation.

9. What are your views on the Welsh Government’s assessment of the financial implications of the Bill, as set out in Part 2 of the Explanatory Memorandum?