That announcement outlined the government’s intention to prohibit greyhound racing entirely within Welsh territory.
The Deputy First Minister cited longstanding animal welfare concerns and evidence gathered from a public consultation that overwhelmingly favoured the cessation of the sport.
In its February 2025 decision, the Welsh government concluded that even with proposed reforms and regulatory enhancements, the welfare issues associated with greyhound racing could not be sufficiently mitigated.
Officials said the risks to animal wellbeing were too significant to justify the sport’s continuation.
The government further stated that the current system of self-regulation, managed primarily by the GBGB, had not convincingly addressed the fundamental concerns raised by animal welfare organisations and of the public.
The move followed an earlier call by the Welsh Cross Party Group for Animal Welfare, which in 2023 issued a report urging an outright ban.
The report highlighted several concerns, including injuries sustained during races, post-racing care of retired dogs, and inconsistent enforcement of welfare standards. These findings were ed by submissions from animal charities and veterinary groups.
In response to the February decision, the GBGB mounted its legal challenge, asserting that the ban is disproportionate and neglects significant regulatory improvements made in recent years.
NEXT.io reached out to the GBGB to better understand if there has been any movement following the organisation’s challenge and to learn if there has been for its cause.
The response was that the organisation “can’t provide any information beyond the public statement” already published.GBGB: No ‘rational basis’ for full ban
Mark Bird, CEO of the GBGB, stated that the board had consistently advocated for a well-regulated industry as the optimal means of safeguarding animal welfare.
He emphasised that the ban undermines the livelihoods of those working in the industry and could negatively impact the welfare of dogs if racing is driven underground or unregulated.
The GBGB’s claim contends that the Welsh government did not adequately consider these consequences and failed to properly engage with the regulatory alternatives available.
The organisation argues that a full prohibition lacks a rational basis in light of modern reforms and ongoing welfare initiatives, including injury tracking systems, kennel inspections, and rehoming programmes.
Wales is not alone in reconsidering the future of greyhound racing. Recent developments in other jurisdictions reflect a growing international trend toward either banning or heavily restricting the sport.
In the US, Oregon became the latest jurisdiction to outlaw betting on greyhound racing, with legislation ed in March 2025.
This follows a wider trend in the US, where more than 40 states have either explicitly banned or never legalised the practice.
Florida, historically a major hub for the sport, implemented a statewide ban in 2021 following a voter-approved constitutional amendment in 2018.
North Dakota, however, recently failed to ban greyhound betting via online platforms following an unsuccessful legislative attempt.
In Australia, the sport remains legal but increasingly scrutinised. New South Wales had previously announced a ban in 2016, only to reverse it amid backlash and promises of reform.
However, in late 2024, the Australian Capital Territory reaffirmed its commitment to a racing ban implemented in 2018 and indicated for similar policies in other jurisdictions, citing persistent welfare violations.
