AS REGULATOR for the licensed greyhound racing sector, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has responded to the Welsh Government’s statement yesterday, welcoming the opportunity for continued engagement and collaboration on ways to optimise the welfare of racing greyhounds.
Yesterday’s statement by the Deputy First Minister followed the consultation into the licensing of animal welfare establishments, activities and exhibits that was held earlier this year. A summary of the consultation responses was also shared, which included contributions from GBGB, others in the racing sector and key animal welfare charities.
The responses demonstrated clear support for licensing of animal welfare establishments, including trainers of racing greyhounds. Consultees also emphasised a desire for a measured response which takes into account the positive economic, social, cultural and welfare impact GBGB regulation has had on the sport in Wales.
Chief Executive of GBGB, Mark Bird, said of the Government’s statement and summary of consultation responses: “We welcome the consultation summary yesterday, which shows very clearly the strength of support for effective and proportionate regulation in order to safeguard animal welfare – whether for commercial dog walkers and pet groomers or within greyhound racing.
“As regulator for Wales’s greyhound racing track, the Valley Stadium, we have been able to prove how robust licensing can transform welfare standards.
“Meanwhile, despite coordinated and misleading campaigns led by animal rights groups against the sport – as clearly demonstrated in the large swathe of duplicate responses highlighted in the summary – this has not achieved any definitive support for a phased ban.
“We are pleased that the Government continues to prioritise a fully comprehensive, evidence based and measured approach to optimising welfare. As further work goes into exploring options for effective regulation in Wales, we remain committed to engaging fully with the Deputy First Minister and his officials in continuing to promote and protect greyhound welfare.”
On the positive welfare and wider economic and social benefits the licensing of the Valley Stadium have brought, Mark Bird added: “Valley Stadium’s management invested significantly in their site to meet GBGB’s robust licensing requirements. The track now benefits from the specialist expertise of its on-site veterinary surgeon and ongoing support and oversight of our national network of experts. Indeed, racing greyhounds benefit from far more protections and oversight than the pet dog population across Wales.
“In doing so, the Valley Stadium’s licensing has brought jobs and growth and is enjoyed by a strong core of local supporters, who value the opportunity to see a historic Welsh pastime with welfare now firmly at its heart.”
The summary of consultation responses highlighted a range of views from consultees’ submissions. This included established and respected animal welfare organisations such as Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and The Kennel Club.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s submission stated: “Battersea would strongly recommend regulation of Greyhound racing go beyond solely regulating the stadia to also account for trainer kennels, where in the case of racing Greyhounds spend 95% of their lives, and ensure any regulation has the highest welfare impact. […]
“At GBGB-regulated tracks there are safeguards for the welfare of racing Greyhounds concerning the quality of the surface, their health and any risk factors for injury for which an appointed trackside vet is responsible. Regulation should be robust and based on proven enforceable standards that are designed to safeguard welfare.”
Likewise, The Kennel Club’s submission stated: “We would suggest that it would be premature to ban greyhound racing in Wales without giving a licensing scheme an opportunity to demonstrate that racing can be regulated and operate to acceptable welfare standards.”
