Welsh Gov publish Greyhound racing ban plans

Local TV

The Welsh Government have published a draft bill to ban greyhound racing in Wales. They say they want to be an exemplar of animal welfare, and are working with relevant groups. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain say the Welsh government are intent on ‘rushing’ the bill through, and should have more important issues to tackle.

Transcript

00:00The Welsh Government has taken another step towards banning greyhound racing, with the

00:05Deputy First Minister publishing a draft of the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing Bill.

00:12If passed, the new law would make it an offence to operate or permit the use of any stadium

00:16or venue in Wales for greyhound racing.

00:18It would also make it illegal to organise such events anywhere in the country.

00:24Huwarranka-Davis says releasing the draft now allows Senate members and stakeholders

00:28to see the proposed scope and direction before the bill is formally introduced this autumn.

00:33He added that he looks forward to working with members during the scrutiny process later

00:36this year.

00:38The move follows the creation of an implementation group in July chaired by Dr Emily Blackwell,

00:43a Senior Lecturer in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Bristol Vet School.

00:47It brings together animal welfare organisations, the greyhound racing industry and community

00:52groups to help manage the transition.

00:56The Deputy First Minister says the ban would make Wales a leading example for animal health

01:00and welfare and that the group's combined expertise will be key in shaping the process.

01:08But the proposal has already sparked a backlash.

01:10Mark Byrd, CEO of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, said this latest statement from the

01:14Deputy First Minister and draft bill published during the Senate recess is yet another indication

01:19that the Welsh Government is determined to rush through a ban on greyhound racing, no matter

01:24the cost. The implementation group has not reported on its work, nor has had any impact assessment

01:29been published.

01:31They argue the Welsh Government should have more important issues to tackle.

01:35The draft bill sets the stage for what's expected to be a heated debate in the Senate later

01:39on this year. James Peach Watkins reporting for local TV.

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