A draft version of the legislation that will ban
greyhound racing in Wales has been published today.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca Davies explained he was
publishing the draft of the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing
(Wales) Bill to give Senedd Members and interested stakeholders
an opportunity to see the proposed scope and direction ahead of
its formal introduction in the autumn.
When introduced, the new Bill would make it an offence to operate
a stadium or similar venue in Wales and use it, or knowingly
permit it to be used, for greyhound racing.
The Bill also makes it an offence to be involved in organising
greyhound racing in Wales.
Work continues on the preparation of the Bill and there may be
changes before it is introduced to the Senedd.
Deputy First Minister said: “I look forward to working with Senedd
Members on the provisions of the Bill during scrutiny after the
Bill is introduced in the autumn.”
The publication of the draft Bill today follows the introduction
of an implementation group that Mr Irranca-Davies confirmed in
July.
The group is chaired by Dr Emily Blackwell, a Senior Lecturer in
Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Bristol Vet School and will guide
the transition towards a ban on greyhound racing in Wales.
The group is made up of dedicated individuals, representing a
broad spectrum of the greyhound racing industry, animal health
and welfare, and social and community sectors.
The Deputy First Minister added: “We want Wales to be an exemplar
for the highest standards of animal health and
welfare.
“The ban is one way we can work towards meeting that goal, and
the implementation group has a key role to play.
“Its combined knowledge will help us as we progress with this
important work.”
