The Welsh authorities has set out plans to ban greyhound racing.
Deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies instructed the Senedd on Tuesday that now was “the right time to ban greyhound racing” within the nation.
Mr Irranca-Davies, who can also be the local weather change and rural affairs secretary, mentioned the federal government was proud that Wales was “the first nation in the UK” to introduce such a ban.
A name to finish greyhound racing was some of the fashionable petitions on the Senedd’s web site, having garnered greater than 35,000 signatures.
The federal government mentioned virtually two thirds of respondents to its session on a nationwide mannequin for animal welfare have been in favour of a ban on greyhound racing.
Since 2018, greater than 2,700 greyhounds have died or have been put to sleep after collaborating in a race, in line with the Greyhound Board of Nice Britain.
Mr Irranca-Davies mentioned he had “listened” to the “strength of feeling” on the topic and that he needed the ban to return into drive “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 currently within the industry, the local community and the local economy,” he added.
The federal government will now look to arrange an implementation group to interact with stakeholders and study from nations resembling New Zealand, the place the federal government has already began the method of introducing a ban.
Solely the UK, US, Australia and Eire nonetheless permit business greyhound racing.
The announcement has been welcomed by members of the Lower the Chase Coalition, which includes of charities Blue Cross, Canine Belief, Hope Rescue, the RSPCA and Greyhound Rescue Wales.
Dr Samantha Gaines, head of companion animals on the RSPCA, mentioned the marketing campaign to introduce a ban had been “a monumental team effort”.
“We now stand ready to work closely with the Welsh government, the racing industry and racing greyhound owners to protect the dogs who will now exit competitive racing; and help find them a loving home,” she added.
Chief govt of Greyhound Racing Wales, Tim Doyle, mentioned it hoped different UK governments would now “take notice of Wales leading the way in putting greyhound welfare above entertainment”.
