GBGB boss Bird: Welsh ban plan ‘nothing to do with welfare’
GBGB chief executive Mark Bird has hit out at the shock announcement in the Senedd by the Welsh government that it intends to ban greyhound racing in Wales.
Valley, which came under the auspices of the GBGB in late 2023, is the sole track operating in Wales and Bird said “This announcement has nothing to do with greyhound welfare and everything to do with pressure from the extreme animal rights movement.
“The Welsh Government’s own Summary of Consultation Responses highlighted the lack of evidence to support the case for a ban on the sport.
“This Summary made clear there has been a coordinated campaign against licensed greyhound racing, seeking to drown out the voice of local people including those whose livelihoods rely on the sport.
“Questions should be asked as to why – despite repeated requests – the Minister has failed to meet with the industry in Wales, or its regulator, and preempted his own timeline to make this call.
“Meanwhile the Minister has engaged on numerous occasions with campaign groups known to use shock tactics and misleading information to achieve their ends.
“We have engaged in the consultation process in good faith as regulator for the sport, but this statement is hugely disappointing and will do absolutely nothing to support greyhound welfare.”
Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said during a statement which was made in the Senedd: “I’m pleased to share with the Senedd today that I have seen the strength of feeling on this, and I have listened.
“The matter has been discussed and debated in the Senedd and, as demonstrated last week, has clear cross-party support.
“Our consultation on a national model for animal welfare, which included questions relating to greyhounds, received over 1100 responses. In that consultation, the question asking for evidence and views on a phased ban found almost two thirds of respondents were in favour of such a ban.
“A petition to ban greyhound racing in Wales received over 35,000 signatures.
“This sits alongside campaign work by the Cut the Chase coalition, which includes Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Greyhound Rescue Wales, Hope Rescue, and the RSPCA.
“We also note what is happening in other countries across the world who are taking steps to ban this activity.
“As a result, I believe that now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales.
“We are proud to be the first nation in the UK to do this.
“I want a ban to come into force as soon as practicably possible. 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.”