by Tomos Rogers & Colm Tan
A petition with 35,000 signatures by greyhound rescue charity Hope Rescue is calling for an end to the sport in Wales.
A debate has been tabled in the Senedd following a lengthy campaign from animal welfare charities who have labelled the sport cruel.
But the owner of Wales’ last remaining track says efforts to improve the welfare of their dogs have been ignored.
The sport has existed in Wales for nearly a century with the first Welsh derby taking place at Cardiff’s White City Stadium in 1928.
But Alain Thomas from Greyhound Rescue Wales called the sport antiquated and says the past is where it belongs.
“Bear baiting and cockfighting were seen as acceptable sports. And some time ago it no longer seems acceptable. Attitudes have changed and greyhound racing, which involves a severe risk for the dogs and the death of thousands of dogs over a period of time is no longer acceptable. There are many other ways for communities to get together and for people to socialize. Greyhound racing is not necessary.”
With attendances dwindling the head of the petitions committee in the Senedd says it’s time to take the next steps to ensure animal welfare here in Wales.
A public consultation on the proposed ban is set for the 8th of March meaning the race for the future of greyhound racing in Wales is on.