GBGB rallying locally-based support for Welsh campaign

THE GBGB is asking Welsh-based fans of greyhound racing to join the campaign against a proposed ban on the sport in the country.

The Board has produced a draft letter which can be sent to Senedd members, also providing the means to look up contact details of local MS representatives.

The GBGB wrote: "Below is a letter which we would encourage all Welsh fans of greyhound racing to send to their local Senedd Members. Please copy and paste the text into an email and enter the name of your Senedd Member, your constituency and your name.

"You can find out who your constituency and regional Senedd Members are, as well as their contact information, here: https://senedd.wales/find-a-member-of-the-senedd/

"You can copy wales@gbgb.org.uk into your correspondence so that we can support you with any response you may receive."

TEMPLATE LETTER 

Subject: Proposed Ban on Greyhound Racing in Wales 

Dear [Senedd Member]

I am writing to you as a constituent of [constituency] to express my firm opposition to the proposed ban on greyhound racing in Wales.

Just two years ago, Wales’s only greyhound racecourse, Valley Greyhound Stadium became licensed by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB). In order to achieve a GBGB licence, the Valley invested extensively in new and upgraded facilities, including new kennels, a new veterinary room and upgrades to the track itself – from the sand used to lay the track to the sight lines and padding at the bends.

Since the track became regulated, everyone who attends the Valley can now do so with the confidence that the greyhounds are well looked after both at and away from the Stadium, with strong GBGB oversight in place to ensure these high standards.

This includes a robust inspection process, a vet in attendance for all racing and trials and national initiatives like the Greyhound Retirement Scheme which ensures there is a financial bond in place for every greyhound to help cover costs associated with its eventual retirement.

I know GBGB makes a lot of information on its UKAS-accredited regulation available on its website (www.gbgb.org.uk) and would be happy to provide any further information to you directly.

Those involved in greyhound racing know that a ban would do nothing for animal welfare, in fact raising the risks of low-welfare activities as we have seen recently with the rise in illegal coursing in South Wales.

Instead, this legislation has been brought forward to appease a minority animal rights lobby with no consideration of the impacts on the local community or economy which Valley Stadium serves.

It is disappointing that so few Members of the Senedd have visited the track since it was licensed in 2023 – even the Deputy First Minister has not yet attended, despite numerous invites.

Those Members who have visited have often noted that it was nothing like what they had been told, and were impressed with the welfare standards upheld. However, I have seen many others in the Senedd relying on outdated information from when the Valley was unregulated.

I would strongly urge you to visit the Valley Stadium so that you can make an informed decision on greyhound racing ahead of any vote on the legislation which is currently being considered.

I know the stadium would warmly welcome you to see for yourself the important role the Valley plays locally.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]