Greyhound Board of Great Britain challenges Welsh ban on the sport
The body has urged robust regulation of the activity instead of a ban.
UK.- The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has submitted a legal challenge to the Administrative Court for Wales in response to the Welsh Government’s decision to ban greyhound racing. It reiterated its belief that regulation can safeguard animal welfare and the sport’s integrity.
Mark Bird, chief executive officer (CEO) of the GBGB, said: “GBGB has always strongly opposed any ban on greyhound racing and continually encouraged policy makers to support robust regulation, which is evidently the most effective way to protect the welfare of racing greyhounds and the integrity and prosperity of the sport going forwards.
“We believe that our claim for judicial review is both strong and justified following the Deputy First Minister of Wales’ ministerial statement deciding to introduce a ban on greyhound racing as soon as possible. We are grateful to all those who are supporting this important claim as we strive to secure the future of the sport.”
The Welsh Government announced its proposed ban on greyhound racing in February. The move make it the first UK nation to outlaw the sport. The governent believes there is public and cross-party support for a ban, but gambling operators critised the move, arguing that there is no evidence to back up the decision.
Industry lobby group the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) said in a statement: “Greyhound racing is a working-class sport, enjoyed by thousands, and this draconian move will cost jobs, hurt the economy, while depriving people of a long-established and legitimate source of joy. BGC members are proud to support greyhound racing and contribute significant funds for the welfare of dogs. Last year alone, our members voluntarily donated over £7m to the British Greyhound Racing Fund for the welfare of greyhounds.”
The Welsh government said at the time that it would create an Implementation Group to oversee the introduction of the ban and that it would learn from the approach of New Zealand, which announced a ban on greyhound racing in December to come into force from 2026.
