Welsh ban Bill gets first reading but GBGB pledge to battle on
GBGB chief executive Mark Bird has again hit out at the Welsh political process after an initial reading of the Bill designed to ban greyhound racing in the country gained a first reading in the Senedd by 36 votes to 11.
All Labour members present voted in favour plus one sole Conservative MS while there were 3 abstentions.
Bird said: “This entire process shows the Welsh Senedd in the worst possible light.
“We have gone from a dodgy backroom deal to an indefensible policy sham which ignores the condemnation and objections that two separate cross-party Committees have rightly shown.
“Voters in Wales will look long and hard on those Senedd members who have voted in favour of proceeding with legislation that their own overseeing committees have concluded is deeply flawed.
“This is neither good government nor good politics. This Bill will do nothing to serve the priorities of the Welsh public, economy or animal welfare.
“Rather every instance of animal use in Wales – from horseracing to livestock farming – should prepare to be the next target of the animal rights movement and its political lackies.
"What this debate shows is that what is happening to greyhound racing today can very easily happen to farming, horse ownership and pet ownership tomorrow when the animal rights argument takes control of the political agenda.
“Wales is sleepwalking into the arms an animal rights future that no one has voted for and which ignores common sense, factual evidence and proper process.
“Whatever your view on greyhound racing, watching politicians ignore the warnings from their own colleagues that this is an ill-considered, badly-drafted and incompetent Bill does nothing to build confidence in our elected politicians.
“We have been buoyed by the tremendous amount of support we have been receiving from across the political divide in opposition to this flawed Bill.
“We will continue to fight this through its committee stages and through a Judicial Review.”
GBGB director and Valley promoter Katie Bennison said: “It is disappointing but expected that the Deputy First Minister [Huw Irranca-Davies MS], despite the clear concerns raised by the government’s own committees continue to rush through this poorly constructed bill that will do nothing to support animal welfare.
“I welcome the strong voices of opposition raised on the floor of the Senedd today from Gareth Davies, Llyr Gruffydd and James Evans who recognise the clear failings both in process and positive outcomes delivered by this bill.
“I urge the GBGB to push for an expedited timescale for the Judicial Review granted.”
Prior to the vote, Bird had again warned of the consequences of the "harmful Bill".
The GBGB was previously granted permission for a full substantive hearing reqesting a judicial review of any legislation.
Jonathan Kay