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Just seen the news
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-64665705
Ok so I know there is only one greyhound track in Wales (Valley Greyhounds), but this is due to become a GBGB licenced track by January 2024.
The arguments for banning the sport are weak and seemingly based on a flimsy petition. In my opinion, this is gesture politics at its worst, but should it be successful couldn't it lead to pressure on other sports, and wouldn't it bring the banning of greyhound racing across the UK a step closer?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-64665705
Ok so I know there is only one greyhound track in Wales (Valley Greyhounds), but this is due to become a GBGB licenced track by January 2024.
The arguments for banning the sport are weak and seemingly based on a flimsy petition. In my opinion, this is gesture politics at its worst, but should it be successful couldn't it lead to pressure on other sports, and wouldn't it bring the banning of greyhound racing across the UK a step closer?
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England Left 
But for how long till the Woke sh1thouses Make their move ?
But for how long till the Woke sh1thouses Make their move ?
The public will be asked their views on banning greyhound racing in a Welsh government consultation.
It follows a petition signed by 35,000 people calling for an end to the sport in the country.
The RSPCA said it was a "huge moment" for dog welfare.
A Welsh government spokesperson said ministers will consider "next steps" after a debate in March. A greyhound racing body said the sport places dog welfare "as its highest priority".
There is only one greyhound race track remaining in Wales, in Ystrad Mynach.
In a Welsh government response to a petitions committee report on the issue, ministers said they will hold a consultation on "proposals for the licensing of activities involving animals later this year".
It confirmed a "question considering a phased ban will be included" in the exercise.
"The outcome of the consultation and what action will be taken cannot be pre-empted," the government said, adding it will also seek views on how to improve the welfare of racing greyhounds in Wales.
Ministers accepted all of the committee's recommendations, bar one calling for ministers to look at other sports where animals compete.
It follows a petition signed by 35,000 people calling for an end to the sport in the country.
The RSPCA said it was a "huge moment" for dog welfare.
A Welsh government spokesperson said ministers will consider "next steps" after a debate in March. A greyhound racing body said the sport places dog welfare "as its highest priority".
There is only one greyhound race track remaining in Wales, in Ystrad Mynach.
In a Welsh government response to a petitions committee report on the issue, ministers said they will hold a consultation on "proposals for the licensing of activities involving animals later this year".
It confirmed a "question considering a phased ban will be included" in the exercise.
"The outcome of the consultation and what action will be taken cannot be pre-empted," the government said, adding it will also seek views on how to improve the welfare of racing greyhounds in Wales.
Ministers accepted all of the committee's recommendations, bar one calling for ministers to look at other sports where animals compete.
there is a petition being generated that supports greyhound racing in wales and everyone needs to sign if they want to show solidarity with the sport.....you dont have to be welsh either...
petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245373
petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245373
you do not have to be welsh it is an internationally available document that will stay live until August 23.....i signed it a few days ago using genuine information the only thing you have to give is a working email address and you will receive an email from them to confirm the email address is genuine then the vote counts....
Yes just found the petition
https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245373
Looking at the petition that called for a ban, 35k signed it but only 19k came from Wales!
Important for all greyhound enthusiasts to get behind this it needs our support. I've signed.
https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245373
Looking at the petition that called for a ban, 35k signed it but only 19k came from Wales!
Important for all greyhound enthusiasts to get behind this it needs our support. I've signed.
And passed on to others. 3,000 + at present - many more needed.
4,274.
Greyhound Data now involved and promoting the petition.
We should all keep trying after we have signed to recruit more signees.
This can easily be done.
Greyhound Data now involved and promoting the petition.
We should all keep trying after we have signed to recruit more signees.
This can easily be done.
Not sure if the " Greyhound Scene " folk know about this. ?
Well done all. I have just emailed the IGB pr/media department and appraised them of the situation, just in case they were unaware. I feel sure they could bring in another 4,000 names and greatly boost the effort.
4,376.
4,376.
Dont understand how 10,000 cant be reached. All the trainers plus owners and kennel staff up and down the country must be somewhere near that number alongside the racing offices and track staff.
Good lad. It's coming along. I read that 15,000 votes in a petition guarantees a debate in the Welsh house whereas 10,000 allows for one to be requested. Did I read wrong? Wouldn;t be the first time.
All information for petitions to the Welsh Government is contained in the following link.
https://petitions.senedd.wales/help
https://petitions.senedd.wales/help
The petition passed 5,000 signatures overnight. It is currently attracting support more than twice as quickly as the antis' petition ever did. Thank you for your help in spreading the word.
petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245373
Taken from Greyhound scene.
petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245373
Taken from Greyhound scene.
Up to 6461 this morning. Still feel we need to match the 35k signatures of the ban-greyhound racing petition.
If you haven't yet signed - please sign. Very simple and you don't have to live in Wales.
https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245373
If you haven't yet signed - please sign. Very simple and you don't have to live in Wales.
https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245373
Just to update - the ban proposed for Wales was discussed in the Senedd on wednesday.
It's an interesting read but I just find it incredible how uneducated those in power in Wales are about greyhound racing...
https://record.senedd.wales/Plenary/13262#C490421
It's an interesting read but I just find it incredible how uneducated those in power in Wales are about greyhound racing...
https://record.senedd.wales/Plenary/13262#C490421
It's not that surprising really. Let's be frank and honest - we have no promotion strategy at all so how would people know anything about it or how we run it. Our welfare initiatives are impressive but it is all defensive isn't it. We are a very insular sport and, like it or not, other than bookmakers we have almost no allies whatsoever. How we change that I don;t profess to know but we could start by having someone produce material outlining all we do and giving it to each and every MP. Then they might at least have an idea.
Welsh debate plus GBGB reaction
THE Senedd debate over the possible phasing out of greyhound racing in Wales took place on Wednesday afternoon, writes Paul Brown.
It opened with an address from Jack Sargeant MS, chair of the Petitions Committee that put forward the proposal, where he reiterated the call for a ban to be adopted.
Most who spoke were in favour of the ban eventually coming into force, with James Evans MS and Joel James MS speaking against.
Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Rural Affairs in the Welsh government, noted the petition and said she wished to work from a stronger evidence base with a view to publishing a consultation at the end of 2023.
She said that all options are on the table and the government would only take a view after considering the responses to the consultation.
The Senedd debate coincided with the publication of an extensive report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission on the welfare of greyhounds used for racing in Scotland.
With Shawfield closed since 2020 and unlikely to reopen, the only greyhound venue currently operating in Scotland is independent Thornton in Fife, which was visited for the report.
In conclusion, the Commission decided on balance that a ban on greyhound racing would be desirable: “We recommend that no further new greyhound tracks are permitted in Scotland.
“We are not convinced that any of the current proposed measures can safeguard greyhound welfare appropriately and believe that this will help to reduce suffering in Scotland.”
GBGB statement
Responding to Wednesday’s Senedd debate in relation to the recent Petitions Committee report, Mark Bird, CEO of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), said:
“We note today’s debate and thank those Senedd Members who have willingly and openly engaged with us and have been open to hearing all sides of the debate. Animal welfare is an emotive issue and animal activist campaigners are extremely well funded and well organised to target those who do not share their agenda. So we thank those publicly speaking out against this for encouraging balance in the debate.
“What is clear from today’s debate is that inaccurate, unevidenced and misleading information has been shared with Senedd Members in advance of the proceedings. Whilst we accept that people will hold their own opinions, we believe all such debate should rely on robust data and evidence rather than myths and generalisations.
“We strongly welcome the Minister’s assertion therefore that, as we would all hope and expect, any subsequent consultation must be carried out in a reasoned and appropriate way, based on evidence. This is clearly a wider consultation on animal welfare and should be considered as such, rather than allowing the agendas of some activists to steal headlines through untruths and thus unduly influence policy. The role of this consultation must be to remove the emotion, innuendo and myth and look at what is genuinely both in the best interests of animals and consistent across all animal welfare issues.
“To suggest that greyhound racing stands apart from other popular activities involving animals – whether horseracing, show jumping, gymkanas or dogs shows, let alone working dogs and livestock – is naïve. Our view of course remains that greater regulation of greyhound racing in Wales is the right and obvious way to protect welfare and we will continue to work with Members and officials in whatever way we can towards securing this.”
THE Senedd debate over the possible phasing out of greyhound racing in Wales took place on Wednesday afternoon, writes Paul Brown.
It opened with an address from Jack Sargeant MS, chair of the Petitions Committee that put forward the proposal, where he reiterated the call for a ban to be adopted.
Most who spoke were in favour of the ban eventually coming into force, with James Evans MS and Joel James MS speaking against.
Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Rural Affairs in the Welsh government, noted the petition and said she wished to work from a stronger evidence base with a view to publishing a consultation at the end of 2023.
She said that all options are on the table and the government would only take a view after considering the responses to the consultation.
The Senedd debate coincided with the publication of an extensive report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission on the welfare of greyhounds used for racing in Scotland.
With Shawfield closed since 2020 and unlikely to reopen, the only greyhound venue currently operating in Scotland is independent Thornton in Fife, which was visited for the report.
In conclusion, the Commission decided on balance that a ban on greyhound racing would be desirable: “We recommend that no further new greyhound tracks are permitted in Scotland.
“We are not convinced that any of the current proposed measures can safeguard greyhound welfare appropriately and believe that this will help to reduce suffering in Scotland.”
GBGB statement
Responding to Wednesday’s Senedd debate in relation to the recent Petitions Committee report, Mark Bird, CEO of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), said:
“We note today’s debate and thank those Senedd Members who have willingly and openly engaged with us and have been open to hearing all sides of the debate. Animal welfare is an emotive issue and animal activist campaigners are extremely well funded and well organised to target those who do not share their agenda. So we thank those publicly speaking out against this for encouraging balance in the debate.
“What is clear from today’s debate is that inaccurate, unevidenced and misleading information has been shared with Senedd Members in advance of the proceedings. Whilst we accept that people will hold their own opinions, we believe all such debate should rely on robust data and evidence rather than myths and generalisations.
“We strongly welcome the Minister’s assertion therefore that, as we would all hope and expect, any subsequent consultation must be carried out in a reasoned and appropriate way, based on evidence. This is clearly a wider consultation on animal welfare and should be considered as such, rather than allowing the agendas of some activists to steal headlines through untruths and thus unduly influence policy. The role of this consultation must be to remove the emotion, innuendo and myth and look at what is genuinely both in the best interests of animals and consistent across all animal welfare issues.
“To suggest that greyhound racing stands apart from other popular activities involving animals – whether horseracing, show jumping, gymkanas or dogs shows, let alone working dogs and livestock – is naïve. Our view of course remains that greater regulation of greyhound racing in Wales is the right and obvious way to protect welfare and we will continue to work with Members and officials in whatever way we can towards securing this.”
“We are not convinced that any of the current proposed measures can safeguard greyhound welfare appropriately and believe that this will help to reduce suffering in Scotland.”
This is frightening stuff because it highlights an already entrenched view that greyhound racing is cruel.
The game is in deep trouble in my view unless someone comes out fighting. And sadly that doesn't seem likely from where I am watching.
This is frightening stuff because it highlights an already entrenched view that greyhound racing is cruel.
The game is in deep trouble in my view unless someone comes out fighting. And sadly that doesn't seem likely from where I am watching.
Not having followed this as closely as others I was a little surprised at the response with regard to the situation in Scotland. It all makes depressing reading when considering the future.
If it were purely Down to a Public Vote Would be no Dog Racing in the UK
As Loyal Says an already entrenched view that greyhound racing is cruel.
As Loyal Says an already entrenched view that greyhound racing is cruel.
I might be a little out of touch these days but I don't see much of a defence being put up against this so called cruelty. We know there was there a great deal of bad publicity coming from flapping tracks some time ago but they are nearly all gone now so why are the people in control coming out a and making the case?
We have had some bad Headlines over the years Sparrow, unfortunately with the General Public and this sport that's what they look at ,we know the love in the sport but
The antis paint a terrible picture that gets Most of the Attention
The antis paint a terrible picture that gets Most of the Attention
it looks like that debate was in response to the banning petition and common sense has prevailed with Lesley Griffiths in the knowledge there is a counter petition which runs until August has kept her powder dry until the end of the year when a full understanding of both sides will be available......therefore it is important that the supporting petition continues to grow and hopefully it will at least match if not surpass the one already received.......
OK, glad I've seen a thread on this.
I've been following this carefully and greyhound racing may well only have only itself to blame here. Those who originally wanted it banned were not objecting to the act of dogs actually racing, but to the over breeding and, alleged, subsequent destroying of puppies that either will not, or cannot, chase fast enough. If their figures are correct they had a point.
But I fear their campaign has been somewhat hijacked by woke zealots who want to ban everything, from banter in the workplace to dog racing to fishing.
If there has been huge over breeding of dogs, and subsequently too many deaths, the answer is for greyhound racing to control breeding much tighter. But without it, the door has been opened to the sport being banned.
Thankfully, the Welsh government has asked for more evidence but unless dog racing shows it can and will take measures to stop abuse, even if the call for a ban is unsuccessful this time, it will end up being banned across the UK within 10 years or less.
Just look at America, especially Florida. With their abundance of tracks who would have thought the sport would now be a thing of the past even 20 years ago? But the sport's authorities there did not defend itself properly and paid the ultimate price.
A petition to counter-act the zealots is something, but the real need is for Greyhound Racing to wake up and run the sport properly and stop allowing thousands upon thousands of low grade, betting shop fodder, races to give unprincipled breeders the chance to make fast money.
I've been following this carefully and greyhound racing may well only have only itself to blame here. Those who originally wanted it banned were not objecting to the act of dogs actually racing, but to the over breeding and, alleged, subsequent destroying of puppies that either will not, or cannot, chase fast enough. If their figures are correct they had a point.
But I fear their campaign has been somewhat hijacked by woke zealots who want to ban everything, from banter in the workplace to dog racing to fishing.
If there has been huge over breeding of dogs, and subsequently too many deaths, the answer is for greyhound racing to control breeding much tighter. But without it, the door has been opened to the sport being banned.
Thankfully, the Welsh government has asked for more evidence but unless dog racing shows it can and will take measures to stop abuse, even if the call for a ban is unsuccessful this time, it will end up being banned across the UK within 10 years or less.
Just look at America, especially Florida. With their abundance of tracks who would have thought the sport would now be a thing of the past even 20 years ago? But the sport's authorities there did not defend itself properly and paid the ultimate price.
A petition to counter-act the zealots is something, but the real need is for Greyhound Racing to wake up and run the sport properly and stop allowing thousands upon thousands of low grade, betting shop fodder, races to give unprincipled breeders the chance to make fast money.
Credit to the Welsh government for asking for more evidence, but will they act on it? I have no faith in them whatsoever. You should see some of the vanity projects currently being progressed in Wales whilst health services and education lag miles behind that in England. Regulation is the logical way forward and all the evidence points to this being the best option for animal welfare, but will they make a decision based on the evidence? In the WG debate, there were so many discrepancies and falsehoods in the arguments being put forward by those proposing a ban, yet nobody seemed to be able to counteract them, with emotion and generalizations put before objectivity and evidence.
Somehow we need to debunk this myth that banning greyhound racing is supported by the majority. We dont have the same resources or reach as the anti-greyhounds lobby, but it still has to be possible to exceed thir petition of 35k
Currently 7320
Somehow we need to debunk this myth that banning greyhound racing is supported by the majority. We dont have the same resources or reach as the anti-greyhounds lobby, but it still has to be possible to exceed thir petition of 35k
Currently 7320
8103 so far
Just a reminder - anyone can sign. You don't have to be welsh.
petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245373
Just a reminder - anyone can sign. You don't have to be welsh.
petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245373
i have just stuck a post on the football forum daz hopefully the welsh supporters can get behind it and boost the petition with more signatures from people who actually live in wales unlike the high percentage of non welsh living contributors to the banning petition.....
Animal rising holding a protest at this track at 6.00pm this evening. A prelude to turning up at Towcester next month to protest at the Greyhound Derby
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02SXWcsM5BTR8PSDz8ZUBcpLBVxLvnV1r5zc58xv9EL3vNG8ykX8mKyENKaVCF1Wknl&id=100089967063956&sfnsn=scwspmo
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02SXWcsM5BTR8PSDz8ZUBcpLBVxLvnV1r5zc58xv9EL3vNG8ykX8mKyENKaVCF1Wknl&id=100089967063956&sfnsn=scwspmo
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