Potential Welsh ban under fire with judicial decision to come
DISQUIET is growing in the Welsh Senedd over not just the introduction of legislation to ban greyhound racing but the reasoning behind the decision and haste with which it is being implemented.
Rural affairs minister Huw Irranca-Davies MS introduced the law to the Senedd on Tuesday 30th September but in a subsequent debate North Wales MS Llyr Gruffydd said the potential for judicial review was the “elephant in the room”.
He also referenced the fact the law was only pursued after the Labour administration did a deal with Lib Dem Senedd member Jane Dodds in order to get their budget passed earlier this year.
Irranca-Davies responded: “We’re awaiting the court’s decision on whether the claim will be granted permission to proceed to a full hearing. We can’t predict when a decision will be made, it’s a matter for the courts, so there’s a limit to what we can say.
“We don’t know when a hearing date, if it is granted, would take place, but probably you could anticipate that spring of next year would be logical as the earliest date.
“But as this is now the subject of live litigation, it’s not appropriate for me as a Welsh government minister to comment further on it.”
James Evans MS [Welsh Conservative Party] was perhaps the most vocal critic saying: “I want to put on record my total opposition to the bill that has been presented to the Senedd.
“I have opposition to it mainly on principle, but also because of how this legislation has come about. There was no engagement with the industry in the run-up to this ban. There were no visits to the site from yourself as the cabinet secretary. You say you’re going now, which is a positive, but it feels a bit cart-before-the-horse.
“Considering that Senedd members and government ministers were having selfies outside this Senedd with anti-racing bodies and didn’t speak to GBGB directly, that is not the way you legislate.
“You consult properly beforehand with the industry, with all the people involved, with owners, with trainers, with veterinary surgeons who work there, then you come up with a position.”
Peter Fox MS [Welsh Conservative Party] expressed his neutrality but also provided his findings from a visit to Valley stadium, the sole licensed track in Wales, and encouraged other members to make a visit.
He said: “It was nothing like I’d been led to believe by charities and individuals, and I actually saw something totally different to what I’m hearing.
“I’m not trying to take it away that there aren’t bad things happening, or happened, within the greyhound community over many years.
“However, what I saw was a stadium with well-cared-for animals, families who love their animals, veterinary surgeons looking and checking them over.
“I saw where the dogs were rested after. I was looking for things to find wrong. Then I went and looked at the track, and the bends and the nature of the surface they ran on, and all of these things.
“And I sat down afterwards and I thought I couldn’t find much wrong with that track and what was happening and the part it was playing within that community.”
James Evans, Peter Fox and Llyr Gruffydd all spoke against the Bill
In response to Tuesday’s debate, GBGB chief executive Mark Bird said: “The debate showed that across the chamber there is considerable concern about the process, speed and utter lack of due diligence involved in this bill.
“We are grateful to all those Senedd members across parties who spoke up for Welsh people and businesses, and raised important, salient points about the failings in consultation and the significant risks and implications of this legislation.
“This bill will only serve the current administration and Jane Dodds who, once again, proudly claimed credit for her part in this dodgy deal.
“Governments are temporary, but legislation is permanent. Not only will this legislation do nothing for the people of Wales or for greyhound welfare, the lack of attention paid to common sense and detail also risks damaging the reputations of those responsible for drafting it.
“It is no surprise that those MSs who had taken the time to engage with us and Valley greyhound stadium and learn about the high standards of welfare made possible through regulation, spoke accurately and fairly in the debate. It remains disappointing to see so many others’ views rely on wholly inaccurate information.
"We believe that our claim for judicial review is both strong and justified following the deputy First Minister of Wales’ ministerial statement deciding to introduce a ban on greyhound racing as soon as possible."