Within 24 hours, Wales and Scotland have both passed new legislation to ban greyhound racing, which marks a huge change in animal welfare policy in the United Kingdom. The League Against Cruel Sports, an animal welfare organization, praised the decisions and urged the UK government to add similar bans in England as well, as the
Within 24 hours, Wales and Scotland have both passed new legislation to ban greyhound racing, which marks a huge change in animal welfare policy in the United Kingdom.
The League Against Cruel Sports, an animal welfare organization, praised the decisions and urged the UK government to add similar bans in England as well, as the charity is known for conducting campaigns to stress injury, death, and concerns over treatment in greyhound racing.
CEO of the League Against Cruel Sports, Emma Slawinski, stated:
“Greyhound racing is cruel from the cradle to the grave, so we welcome these bans in Wales and Scotland and call on the UK Government to take the steps to ban it in England. The death and injury toll of greyhound racing is quite simply shocking, going beyond what people see at the racetracks, and it is a major animal welfare concern. We look forward to the Welsh and Scottish governments implementing the ban on greyhound racing as soon as possible and for the UK Government to catch up and follow their lead.”
Data from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain shows that between 2017 and 2024, 1,357 greyhounds died in England and Wales, with more than 35,000 recorded injuries.
The Welsh government has already set out plans to implement the ban between 2027 and 2030, with the government ensuring that rehoming systems for retired greyhounds will also be improved.