Industry heavyweights heard by politicians over risk of Welsh ban
REPRESENTATIVES from the GBGB, SIS, Valley Greyhound Stadium and the Racecourse Promoters’ Association (RCPA) gave evidence to the Welsh Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee on Thursday.
The hearing formed part of the scrutiny of the proposed Bill to ban greyhound racing in Wales, and allowed those within the sport to set out the positive impacts of regulation on greyhound racing in Wales while firmly opposing the Bill.
The industry’s oral evidence session followed on from hearings with the Deputy First Minister and the Cut The Chase Coalition in recent weeks, and was supported by comprehensive written submissions from several industry stakeholders.
GBGB’s written proposal and oral evidence firmly set out that the stated policy intention and proposed Bill from Welsh Government would offer nothing which would promote meeting greyhounds’ welfare needs across their lifetimes.
In fact, the Bill would inevitably put greyhound welfare at higher risk than it currently is in Wales because it will result in the cessation of greyhound welfare safeguarding through regulation by GBGB.
Following the hearing, Mark Bird, GBGB CEO, said: “As was set out today, the Committee should rightly ask if this Bill delivers on animal welfare, or if it is simply a political fix to appease animal rights groups.
“It was clear as day that those same animal rights groups and individuals have set their sights on animal use in horseracing, whippet racing, dog agility, sled dog racing and angling – even livestock farming.
“I expect that the Committee will now want to reflect on the accuracy and relevance of information presented to them and to the Welsh Government during this Bill process.
"It beggars belief that we still have to explain why a report from 2018 or kennel observations from 2008 have absolutely no bearing whatsoever on the licensed sport today. Nor that we must frequently reiterate that the Valley Greyhound Stadium has only been regulated for two years.
“Greyhound welfare is paramount in our sport, as evidenced by the unparalleled initiatives and research programmes being delivered through GBGB’s peer-reviewed welfare strategy.
“We thank those Committee members who made themselves available for the evidence session today, and we maintain our open invite to the Committee to visit the Stadium firsthand given the important role this plays in evidence gathering.
“Despite not being given the opportunity to attend in person, I hope they will agree it was essential to hear from the sport and on the animal welfare protections which would be removed from greyhounds in Wales under the proposed Bill.”
Richard Brankley, head of greyhound operations at SIS Racing, said: “It is difficult to imagine anyone not being deeply impressed by the scale and ambition of the work undertaken by GBGB through its welfare strategy, as well as by the UKAS-approved regulatory system it has established.
“The high welfare standards in Welsh and English greyhound racing, under GBGB’s regulation, is why it makes for such popular viewing domestically, and internationally. Without this, there would be no interest or appetite.
“It is disappointing that the narrow animal rights agenda might mean a small community in rural Wales misses out on such important investment and opportunity.”
Katie Bennison, promoter at Valley Greyhound Stadium and GBGB director, said: “We very much hope that our evidence today and our unequivocal invitation to visit Valley Greyhound Stadium will be heard and taken seriously.
"The realities and extent of what is in place continues to surprise and impress those who do visit, whether Senedd members or government officials.
“All credit too goes to those trainers – even where there may have been connection issues – who volunteered to give oral evidence today, or who have submitted written evidence during this process.
"We are hugely grateful to everyone and for the many messages and shows of support we’ve received.”
Simon Franklin, chair of the RCPA, GBGB director and promoter of Yarmouth Stadium, said: “There has been deep frustration, distress and at times anger about the distortions of fact cited by animal rights groups and individuals in this debate.
"I sympathise with those in the sport who may feel the process has been disproportionate, unbalanced and unfair and want to see their voices heard.
“I was pleased to have the opportunity to give some of their concerns a voice in today’s session and add just some of the many examples of what a thriving, welfare-driven sport we are part of.”