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Coalition urges Welsh government to ban greyhound racing
There is currently one greyhound racing track in Wales.

The government has launched a 12-week consultation.

A coalition of animal welfare charities has called for the Welsh government to phase out greyhound racing, as it launches a 12-week consultation on animal welfare.

The ‘Cut the Chase’ Coalition, which includes RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Blue Cross, say that this could be an opportunity for Wales to become the first UK home nation to end the activity.

As part of the consultation, which began on 8 December, the Welsh government will seek evidence that will either justify or negate the coalition’s calls for a phased ban in future.

There is currently one greyhound racing track in Wales, which was previously unlicensed. Earlier this year, it was registered under the regulatory body the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB).

However, the coalition believes that industry self-regulation is incompatible with protecting the welfare of greyhounds.

The RSPCA believes that greyhounds are being placed at serious risk of injury and death during races. They quote GBGB statistics that say that 244 greyhounds had died and 4,354 injuries had occurred as a result of greyhound racing in the past year.

A 2022 report found that the majority of Senedd Members on the Welsh Parliament’s Petitions Committee supported a racing ban. This was followed by a public petition, which found over 18,000 people from Wales also supported it.

Unlike in England, Wales currently has no statutory regulations or laws specific to governing greyhound racing.

The Cut the Chase Coalition maintains that phasing out greyhound racing is the only way to prevent related injuries and death.

Dr Samantha Gaines, from the RSPCA, said: “The 'Cut the Chase' coalition believe the science, public opinion and animal welfare considerations all clearly demonstrate that the time has come for the minister for rural affairs in Wales to act - while globally, the prevalence of greyhound racing has been in serious decline.

"Wales needs to seize this opportunity to phase out greyhound racing for good; and deliver a better life for greyhounds."

We have reached out to GBGB for comment.

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.