The Future of Greyhound Racing: Collaboration for Welfare
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has welcomed the Welsh Government's recent statement, noting the importance of ongoing collaboration to enhance the welfare of racing greyhounds. This follows the government's consultation earlier this year on licensing animal welfare establishments, activities, and exhibits, which included contributions from GBGB, the racing industry, and key animal welfare charities.
The consultation responses highlighted broad support for licensing animal welfare establishments, including greyhound trainers. Many respondents stressed the need for a balanced approach that considers the economic, social, cultural, and welfare benefits brought by GBGB’s regulation of the sport in Wales.
Proven Benefits of Licensing
Mark Bird, GBGB’s Chief Executive, praised the consultation summary for reflecting strong support for effective and proportionate regulation.
He stated: “We welcome the consultation summary today, 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 the regulator for Wales’s greyhound racing track, the Valley Stadium, we have been able to prove how robust licensing can transform welfare standards.”
Bird also addressed criticisms from animal rights groups, noting that despite coordinated campaigns, these efforts have not garnered definitive support for phasing out the sport. Instead, he commended the Welsh Government for prioritising an evidence-based and comprehensive approach to welfare regulation. Bird stated GBGB’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Deputy First Minister and his team to promote and protect greyhound welfare.
Highlighting the benefits of the Valley Stadium’s licensing, Bird pointed out that the track has undergone extensive improvements to meet GBGB’s stringent requirements. These changes include the presence of an on-site veterinary surgeon and oversight from a national network of welfare experts. He argued that racing greyhounds now benefit from greater protection than the average pet dog in Wales. The licensing has also contributed to local economic growth and created jobs while preserving a historic pastime for the community.
Economic and Social Impact
Bird highlighted the broader benefits of regulation at the Valley Stadium. By meeting GBGB’s licensing requirements, the stadium has enhanced its facilities, employed local staff, and supported the local economy. The venue has also maintained its status as a hub for a historic Welsh pastime, with welfare now a central priority.
Voices of Leading Animal Welfare Organisations
The consultation also included input from prominent animal welfare organisations, such as Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and The Kennel Club. Battersea advocated for extending regulation beyond racing venues to include trainer kennels, ensuring high welfare standards throughout a greyhound’s life. They recognised the safeguards provided by GBGB-regulated tracks, such as veterinary oversight and track surface quality.
Similarly, The Kennel Club argued against prematurely banning greyhound racing in Wales: “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.”
Looking Ahead
As Wales continues to explore regulatory options for greyhound racing, the GBGB remains dedicated to advancing welfare standards and fostering a collaborative approach with the government and stakeholders. This commitment ensures that the sport thrives while keeping animal welfare at its core, providing benefits for both greyhounds and the communities that support this cherished tradition.
The Business Behind the Tracks
Tim Doyle, the chief executive of Greyhound Rescue Wales, highlighted that the primary purpose of many UK greyhound tracks, including the Valley Stadium in Hengoed, Rhymney Valley, is to cater to live streaming contracts. This stadium, which gained licensing from GBGB in August 2022, saw a significant increase in its number of races—from 42 in November 2023 to 168 just a month later.
Mr. Doyle expressed concern over common misconceptions about the industry. Many people, he noted, imagine a vibrant scene of spectators enjoying an evening out at the races. However, he explained that this perception is far from reality, as the majority of the industry's revenue no longer comes from on-site attendance but from streaming services.
Reflecting on the state of the industry, Doyle remarked that greyhound racing has been on a steady decline for the past two decades. Despite this downward trend, he feared that the streaming model might prolong its existence.
Greyhound Rescue Wales, under Doyle's leadership, has collaborated with Gamban, a software designed to block access to gambling websites, in advocating for the cessation of greyhound racing in Wales. They believe this step is essential for addressing concerns surrounding the welfare of the animals involved.
In response, GBGB defended the increased activity at Valley Stadium, stating that the facility's licensing marked a shift from operating without formal welfare protections to adhering to regulated standards. According to the organisation, the track now serves a committed local audience that values both the sport and the welfare measures enforced under the new regulations.
A GBGB spokesperson noted: "There is a vet on site at all times, a national network of experts offering advice and visiting trainers' residential kennels, and an extensive set of rules that ensure racing has the highest standards of welfare and integrity," a spokesperson added.
They said it was because of those standards that "we are proud to uphold that British licensed greyhound racing remains a popular product of choice for broadcasters here and globally – something which… contributes £166 million to the British economy”.