Greyhound racing ban promised in Wales

Greyhound racing might be banned “as quickly as virtually doable”, the Welsh authorities has stated.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies introduced plans to wind down the game, which has been criticised for harming canine.

It follows cross-party requires a ban, a authorities session and a petition that attracted 35,000 signatures.

Wales solely has one dog-racing observe: the Valley Stadium in Ystrad Mynach. It might be the primary UK nation to ban the game.

Ministers have been underneath stress to ban the game, together with from their very own Labour members.

Final Wednesday Mr Irranca-Davies stated he would make an announcement “within the spring”, however six days later he stated “now’s the best time to maneuver to ban greyhound racing in Wales”.

“I am happy to share with the Senedd in the present day that I’ve seen the energy of feeling on this, and I’ve listened,” he stated.

Mr Irranca-Davies pointed to bans in different international locations, together with New Zealand the place the federal government introduced a ban in December.

No date has been introduced for a Welsh ban, however the deputy first minister stated: “I desire a ban to return into power as quickly as practicably doable.

“There might be work to do in guaranteeing the canine, their house owners, and people concerned within the business across the racetrack, can wind down from this exercise whereas nonetheless defending the welfare of canine presently throughout the business, the local people and the native financial system.”

An “implementation group” will be taught from different international locations and advise the federal government on how you can introduce a ban, he stated.