Wales is set to become the first nation in the UK to halt greyhound racing after the country’s government announced plans to introduce a ban “as soon as practically possible”.
Huw Irranca-Davies, deputy first minister with responsibility for climate change and rural affairs, confirmed the decision in a statement to the Welsh parliament (senedd) yesterday (18 February). A potential ban on greyhound racing has been talked about in the senedd for some time.
Irranca-Davies said there is “clear” cross-party support for the ban and now is the “right time” to push ahead.
“I believe that now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales. We are proud to be the first nation in the UK to do this.”
Support for the ban seemingly stretches beyond parliament with a public petition to stop greyhound racing in Wales receiving over 35,000 signatures.
A government consultation on a national framework for animal welfare suggests further support for the ban. When asked about a phased ba..