Industry Presents Case to Senedd Ban Committee
Recent discussions surrounding greyhound racing took place at the Welsh Senedd, with the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee hearing from industry stakeholders. This session was focused on a proposed bill that seeks to ban greyhound racing in Wales. Representatives from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), SIS, the Racecourse Promoters Association (RCPA), and the Valley Greyhound Stadium were present to address concerns raised by animal rights groups.
Key Arguments Against the Proposed Ban
During the session, Mark Bird, the CEO of GBGB, voiced concerns about the motivations behind the bill. He questioned its alignment with genuine animal welfare goals. Bird emphasized that the focus on outdated reports, such as one from 2018 and kennel observations from 2008, does not reflect the current state of the sport. He stated, “The Valley Greyhound Stadium has only been regulated for two years, making these criticisms irrelevant.” Bird urged the committee to consider the accuracy of the information provided to them during the legislative process.
The Impact of Politics
Bird also pointed out the influence of recent political events on public sentiment, particularly highlighting a notable by-election victory for Plaid Cymru in Caerphilly. He reflected on how local concerns—such as NHS waiting times and rising food and energy bills—are overshadowed by the proposed ban on greyhound racing. He called for a reevaluation of priorities within the Welsh government, saying, “While the Senedd focuses on this bill, local people have pressing day-to-day issues that need attention.”
The Valley Greyhound Stadium’s Commitment
Katie Bennison, a director at GBGB and promoter of the Valley Stadium, expressed disappointment over the minimal engagement from Senedd members regarding the invitation to visit the facility. She asserted, “We hope our evidence is taken seriously and will lead to a genuine understanding of the welfare standards we uphold.” Bennison praised the trainers who contributed evidence during the session, reaffirming the industry’s dedication to responsible practices.
Concerns from the Stakeholders
- Simon Franklin, chairman of RCPA, expressed frustration over the “distortions of facts” presented by animal advocacy groups.
- He acknowledged the emotional responses from those feeling unheard in the ongoing debate about the sport’s future.
- Franklin underscored the sport’s commitment to welfare and pointed to numerous instances of its positive impact.
Overall, stakeholders within the greyhound racing community are urging the Welsh Senedd to consider their position carefully. They believe that banning the sport based on potentially misleading information overlooks the significant reforms and welfare initiatives that have been implemented. The conversation is far from over, and all eyes will remain on the committee’s next steps regarding this contentious bill.
