Animal Welfare Win: No More Greyhound Racing

Sooner rather than later, greyhound racing is set to be banned in Wales.

“I want a ban to come into force as soon as practicably possible. There will be work to do in ensuring the dogs, their owners, and those involved in the industry around the racetrack can wind down from this activity while still protecting the welfare of dogs […], the local community, and the local economy,” says deputy First Minister of Wales, Huw Irranca-Davies.

Banning of the sport was welcomed by animal welfare groups, garnered support across government parties, and attracted over 35,000 signatories on a petition. Greyhound racing can be hazardous for the dogs involved, with some having injuries so severe that they must be euthanized. Wales would be the first government in the United Kingdom to ban the sport, with First Minister Irranca-Davies suggesting the ban could be in full effect by May 2026. Wales would follow in the footsteps of New Zealand, which officially banned greyhound racing in December of 2024. The government is looking into creating an “implementation group” that would look to other countries and flesh out proposals relevant to banning greyhound racing across Wales.