Greyhound racing to be banned in Wales after Senedd vote

Greyhound racing is to be banned in Wales, after Senedd members voted to outlaw the practice.

The move was backed by animal welfare groups, who said that thousands of dogs in the UK have died in recent years due to racing in the "inherently dangerous" sport.

But the legislation faces a legal challenge and accusations ministers did not consult on it properly.

Before the vote it emerged civil servants had told the Welsh government not enough evidence had been gathered to justify a ban. Ministers said they could not comment during "ongoing litigation".

Senedd members voted to bring in the ban by 39 votes to 10, with two MSs abstaining.

Under the legislation the earliest greyhound racing would be banned is April 2027 and the latest April 2030.

There is only one track in Wales - Valley Greyhounds in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly county.

The Scottish Parliament will discuss banning the sport on Wednesday, but currently does not have any tracks after the last one closed last year.

Labour Welsh ministers decided to go ahead with the ban as part of a deal with Welsh Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds to get their budget passed by the Senedd last year.

An application for judicial review from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain's (GBGB) was heard in Cardiff last week, with a judgement expected within weeks.

GBGB has accused the Welsh government of failing to carry out a consultation lawfully and hoped to have the ban ruled unlawful.

In advice to Rural Affairs Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies officials warned there was a "high risk" of a court challenge.

Officials had recommended developing proposals for the licensing of owners, saying it offered "the best balance of welfare gains" for the dogs.