Meetings

The petitions under Item 3.10 – P-06-1253 - and Item 3.11 – P-06-1354 – were considered together. The Chair Carolyn Thomas MS declared an interest that as the Chair of the Cross-Party Group on Animal Welfare she had been fighting strongly for a ban on greyhound racing in Wales, and had led a short debate on the issue. Luke Fletcher MS also declared an 1interest as a member of Greyhound Rescue Wales. It was noted that the Welsh Government’s intention to introduce a ban was clear, and the Committee agreed to write to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee to make them aware of the petitions but then to close both petitions and allow the Senedd scrutiny process to take place.

The Committee considered the petition alongside petition P-06-1354 The Welsh Government should support greyhound racing in Wales and welcomed the consultation on Licensing of animal welfare establishments, activities and exhibits which closes on 1 March.

Members agreed to keep a watching brief on the petitions until the outcome of the consultation is published.

The Committee considered the report on the petition and recent debate in Plenary and agreed to keep it open pending the consultation on the Committee’s recommendation and review any progress and actions that may arise from it.

NDM8216 Jack Sargeant (Alyn and Deeside)

To propose that the Senedd:

Notes the report of the Petitions Committee, ‘The Final Bend? P-06-1253 Ban greyhound racing in Wales’, which was laid in the Table Office on 15 December 2022.

Note: The response of the Welsh Government to the report was laid in the Table Office on 16 February 2023.

The item started at 15.52

Voting on the motion under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

NDM8216 Jack Sargeant (Alyn and Deeside)

To propose that the Senedd:

Notes the report of the Petitions Committee, ‘The Final Bend? P-06-1253 Ban greyhound racing in Wales’, which was laid in the Table Office on 15 December 2022.

Note: The response of the Welsh Government to the report was laid in the Table Office on 16 February 2023.

The result was as follows:

The motion was agreed.

The Committee considered the draft report and agreed to some minor changes. Members asked whether it would be possible to publish before Christmas.

The Committee considered the key issues but agreed to resume the discussion at a later date when all Committee Members are present.

The Committee discussed the evidence heard and agreed to seek an update from Caerphilly CBC regarding the proposed developments to the Valley Stadium.

Lord (David) Lipsey, Chair of Premier Greyhound Racing

Malcolm Tams, The Valley Greyhound Stadium

Mark Bird, Greyhound Board of Great Britain 

Professor Madeleine Campbell, Independent Board member of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain

The Committee heard evidence from, Lord (David) Lipsey, Chair of Premier Greyhound Racing; Malcolm Tams, The Valley Greyhound Stadium; Mark Bird, CEO of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain; Professor Madeleine Campbell, Independent Board member of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain and David Cartwright        

Owner of dogs that race at Valley Greyhounds.

The Committee discussed the evidence heard and agreed that it would continue to take further evidence on this petition.

Vanessa Waddon, Hope Rescue

Alain Thomas, Greyhound Rescue Wales

Alex Nilan, Almost Home Dog Rescue

The Committee heard evidence from Vanessa Waddon, founder of Hope Rescue, Alain Thomas, founder of Greyhound Rescue Wales and Alex Nilan, Chair of Almost Home Dog Rescue.

Luke Fletcher declared the following relevant interest under Standing Order 17.24A:

He is a member of Greyhound Rescue Wales.

The Committee considered the petition and agree to take evidence and hold a short inquiry.