Deputy First Minister of Wales Huw Irranca-Davies recently announced that the country would move toward ending greyhound racing, according to the BBC.
While no specific timeline for the ban has been set, Irranca-Davies stated that it could be implemented ahead of the May 2026 Welsh Parliament election.
“I want a ban to come into force as soon as practicably possible,” Irranca-Davies said. “There will be work to do in ensuring the dogs, their owners, and those involved in the industry around the racetrack, can wind down from this activity while still protecting the welfare of dogs currently within the industry, the local community and the local economy.”
The declaration comes after a government survey revealed that nearly two-thirds of participants supported the ban, a petition opposing the sport garnered more than 35,000 signatures, and the initiative received support from multiple parties. Irranca-Davies also noted that other nations are in the process of outlawing this practice.
Dogs used in the greyhound racing industry frequently suffer injuries — sometimes so severe they require euthanasia — all in the name of financial gain and “entertainment.” Data from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain revealed that since 2018, over 2,700 greyhounds in the U.K. perished or were euthanized after participating in races, as reported by Sky News.
Dogs exploited in these races are also often subject to cruel training methods, may live in cramped kennels for extended periods, and could be discarded when they are of no use to the industry anymore.
“We are proud to be the first nation in the U.K. to do this,” Irranca-Davies said.
Commercial greyhound racing is still legal in the U.K., Australia, Ireland, and in some states in the U.S. Just one track remains in Wales.
The next phase involves creating an Implementation Group to work with stakeholders, studying international approaches — like New Zealand’s forthcoming bill to end greyhound racing — and guiding the government on implementing and legislating the ban, including a timeline for its delivery.
Lady Freethinker applauds Wales for taking steps to ban this antiquated “sport” and will continue to push other countries in the U.K. and around the world will follow.
