GBGB react to Welsh ban announced today
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain have reacted to a Bill to ban greyhound racing in Wales that was introduced to the Senedd today.
GBGB comment on Welsh ban
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain have reacted to a Bill to ban greyhound racing in Wales that was introduced to the Senedd today.
The Welsh Government has announced plans for a phased ban on greyhound racing by 2030, proposing to make it an offence to operate a track or organise races
The ban come alongside the Regulatory Impact Assessment and Explanatory Memorandum for the Bill (available here). This is ahead of a statement from the Minister scheduled to take place tomorrow.
Mark Bird, CEO of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, said: "Given the Implementation Group has not yet reported on the Bill, it is concerning that the Welsh Government has decided to rush the introduction of this Bill to the Senedd. It is disappointing that, despite providing details on the economic contribution the Valley makes, this has been blatantly disregarded in the published Impact Assessment.
"It remains clear that the Welsh Government's move to ban greyhound racing continues to be entirely driven by politics, not by what is best for greyhound welfare. Meanwhile, welfare is absolutely paramount in licensed racing, and all racing greyhounds in Wales continue to benefit from the strong GBGB regulations in place for their protection.
"With the livelihoods of so many at stake, we would have expected greater due diligence from the Welsh Government and the Minister, who is still yet to visit the Valley. Our invitation remains open to all Welsh Government representatives so they can see for themselves how a licensed sport protects welfare and supports the local economy."
