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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