Workers at the country’s last professional greyhound track say the Welsh Government’s planned ban threatens livelihoods and question whether the decision is backed by sufficient welfare evidence.
Greyhound racing in Wales is approaching what many involved in the sport believe will be its final run.
On 17 March, the Senedd backed plans to introduce legislation banning greyhound racing on welfare grounds by 39 votes to 10.
Ministers argue that current legislation cannot guarantee the safety of dogs involved in the sport and say a ban is the only way to ensure consistent welfare standards.
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The Welsh Government plans to introduce the ban between 2027 and 2030, citing animal welfare concerns and public pressure.
But at Valley Greyhounds, the last professional track in the country, staff say the decision will have consequences far beyond the sport itself.
"We have a great community down here,” says Joe Tams, assistant racing manager. "People who have been involved in the sport their whole lives."
He warns the ban could cost hundreds of jobs in an already struggling area.
Workers at the country’s last professional greyhound track say the Welsh Government’s planned ban threatens livelihoods
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“It’s a struggling community really. We’re looking at losses of hundreds of jobs by banning one small industry that is being picked on? I think it would be devastating for the local community.”
Not all parties were united in the debate.
Some Welsh Conservatives argued in the Senedd that tighter regulation, rather than an outright ban, would better address welfare concerns while protecting jobs and communities linked to the sport.
Plaid Cymru supported the welfare case in principle but questioned aspects of the evidence and consultation process behind the legislation.
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Greyhound racing in Wales is approaching what many involved in the sport believe will be its final run
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The industry has also pushed back on the reasoning behind the decision.
Evidence published as part of a judicial review brought by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain found ministers were warned shortly before the announcement that there was insufficient evidence to justify a ban on welfare grounds.
That legal challenge has now been refused.
Ministers insist they are confident the legislation is lawful and appropriate.
The Welsh Government says the move is necessary to protect animal welfare
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"Wales is a progressive nation, committed to ethical standards and forward-thinking legislation. This Bill strengthens our reputation as a leader on animal welfare and delivers the standards that the people of Wales rightly expect," said Huw Irranca-Davies, the Deputy First Minister.
The Welsh Government says the move is necessary to protect animal welfare and maintains that welfare standards cannot be guaranteed under the current model. But staff at the track point to strict procedures, with every dog registered, microchipped and checked by a vet before and after racing.
"Chasing is a natural behaviour," says track vet Simon Jones.
He adds that the ban could create a new problem.
THE Valley Greyhound Stadium is the only remaining Dog racing track in Wales
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"There will be a lot of greyhounds that need to find homes if this goes ahead."
For trainer Ann Jeffery, the uncertainty is deeply personal.
"I’ve lost everything really. My job, my income. What do I do next?"
For those at Valley Greyhounds, the focus now is on what comes next for the workers whose livelihoods depend on the track and for the greyhounds they look after, as the entire community waits to see what the future holds.
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