GBGB Opposes Welsh Ministers’ Ban on Greyhound Racing

Not long after Wales moved to ban greyhound racing, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) challenged the decision. The board filed a claim for a judicial review of the measure and released a statement in which it highlighted the importance of “robust regulation.”

Wales Cracks Down on Greyhound Racing

Greyhound racing has been under fire for years now, with similar talks previously taking place in Scotland. Campaigners have repeatedly slammed the sport as inhumane and dangerous to the animals, calling for its ban.

Reform proposals have done little to appease the industry’s opponents who have claimed that greyhound racing is beyond reform due to the danger it exposes dogs to. Opponents of greyhound racing have emphasized that the sport often results in dogs passing away or getting injured.

On the contrary, industry stakeholders have remained adamant that a well-regulated industry with high standards would be a better and healthier solution. This is exactly the stance of the GBGB, which encouraged policymakers to choose regulation over a ban.

GBGB Will Oppose the Decision

In its official address, the GBGB confirmed that it had issued a claim for judicial review in relation to the Welsh Ministers’ decision to ban greyhound racing in Wales. Mark Bird, the board’s chief executive officer, firmly rejected the ban and said that policymakers should instead consider and support robust regulation.

According to Bird, regulation would be the “most effective way to protect the welfare of racing greyhounds and the integrity and prosperity of the sport going forwards.”

The CEO added:

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. We are grateful to all those who are supporting this important claim as we strive to secure the future of the sport.

Mark Bird, CEO, GBGB

Oregon Proceeded with a Ban on Greyhound Racing

Elsewhere, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek just snuffed out greyhound racing from the state by signing House Bill 3020. Under the measure, greyhound racing betting operators must shut down their services by July 1, 2027.

According to GREY2K USA executive director Carey Taheil, this was “the biggest victory for American greyhound advocates since Florida outlawed dog racing in 2018.” Taheil was firm that the end of what she described as a “cruel industry” was nigh.