Wales’ Proposed Greyhound Racing Ban to Become Law if Draft Approved

_{The Welsh Government plans to ban greyhound racing entirely, potentially closing the final chapter on a long-standing tradition. (Image: Slavek Ruta/ZUMA Wire/Alamy Live News)}

Deputy First Minister for Wales Huw Irranca-Davies has released a draft law aimed at making it an offence to operate or organise greyhound racing, marking a historic first in UK legislative efforts.

Irranca-Davies framed the draft legislation as a chance for Senedd Members and stakeholders to review its scope ahead of its formal introduction in autumn, a step toward both transparency and refinement.

Why Now? A Nation Responds

Public support for the ban is strong. A Welsh Government consultation drew over 1,100 responses, with well over 60% backing a phased ban. Adding momentum, a petition to ban the sport garnered more than 35,000 signatures, supported by noteworthy animal welfare charities including RSPCA Cymru, Dogs Trust, and Greyhound Rescue Wales.

The Cut the Chase Coalition, comprising leading animal charities, frames the ban as a “huge step forward for animal welfare,” arguing that the sport’s safety risks and decline in public acceptability leave little justification for its continuation.

Political and Ethical Debate Heats Up

Casinos.com reported on the alleged political wrangling when the Welsh Government first announced plans to prohibit greyhound racing.  As a nation-first move in the UK, the ban addresses serious concerns over dog welfare but also raises questions about political motivations.

Critics point to a potential conflict of interest: the policy was reportedly part of a £29 billion budget deal with the Welsh Liberal Democrats, whose leader, Jane Dodds, owned a rescued greyhound. Some suggest her personal experiences influenced the decision, prompting worries about politicised policymaking.

Legal Battle Brewing

Not all stakeholders are on board. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has launched a judicial review challenging the ban, arguing that the consultation lacked sound evidence and failed to include industry perspectives. Similarly, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) argues the ban will cost jobs, suppress personal freedoms, and lacks a proper evidential foundation.

The Last Race at Valley Stadium

Valley Stadium in Ystrad Mynach, the sole greyhound track in Wales, will bear the brunt of the changes. Fans passionately defend it as a “working-class institution,” pointing out unique bonds between trainers, their dogs, and communities built around the sport. Casinos.com interviewed the track manager Malcolm Tams who said: 

“This deal of nearly £29 billion came through because of political manoeuvring, and we are left holding the bag. The concerns raised about greyhound racing do not account for the livelihoods connected to the sport."

Tams has been vocal in his defence of the sport and even produced a YouTube video documenting how the Valley Track community views the sport. Tams raised concerns regarding the impact the ban would have on the local community. He said: 

"If they ban the track, it could be devastating for the dogs and many community members who use it. We spend £54,000 a year on bills alone. There are vets and suppliers; around 100 jobs will go.” 

Animal welfare advocates counter that greyhounds remain at significant risk, despite regulation, and that Wales is poised to lead the UK in prioritising ethical treatment over entertainment.

Senedd to Consider Draft Law

The draft law will enter the Senedd this autumn, where it’ll face debate, amendments, and, likely, continued industry resistance. If passed, the Implementation Group will guide an orderly transition aiming to balance animal welfare, community continuity, and economic impact.

For animal welfare advocates, this represents a compassionate milestone, ending a sport they view as outdated and dangerous. For the industry and fans, it’s a cultural loss with economic and regional implications. For Wales, it’s a defining moment in values-driven policy, positioning the nation as a UK leader in ethical governance.

Transition Support: An Implementation Group Leads the Way

To ensure a humane and orderly phase-out, the government has formed an Implementation Group chaired by Dr. Emily Blackwell, a respected authority in animal welfare. The group includes representatives from the racing industry, local authorities, animal charities, and the Valley Stadium, Wales’s only greyhound track.

Their mission? To safeguard dog welfare, support track communities, and draw international insights from places like New Zealand, to guide the process.

The Road Ahead: Legislation & Implementation

•    Legislation Stage: The draft law is expected to be introduced formally in the Senedd this autumn.

•    Implementation Group: An advisory group will manage the transition, focusing on dog welfare, community impact, and economic mitigation.

•    Legal Scrutiny: GBGB’s judicial challenge could delay or alter the ban’s execution.

•    Industry Watch: Betting and gambling sectors are closely monitoring, concerned it might trigger a ripple effect across other regulated sports and betting platforms.