The ban, which will likely impact independent and on-course bookmakers the most, has attracted criticism from the GBGB.
“This Bill has disgraced the ethical and legislative processes from start to finish,” said GBGB Chief Executive Officer, Mark Bird.
“All legislators and voters should be alarmed by the repeated failures in public consultation, evidence gathering and overall due diligence in the pursuit of this misguided Bill.
“First, the Welsh Government acted against officials’ advice showing that there was insufficient evidence and consultation to justify a ban on greyhound racing. Then, they proceeded in the face of two damning cross-party Committee reports which warned of exactly the same concerns.
“Now, the Welsh Government has decided to press on with their rushed legislative timetable even while judges consider whether it is lawful, as part of the ongoing Judicial Review process.”
Opponents end up on the losing side
The decision to ban the sport comes after in-depth consultations with members of the public, campaigners and industry stakeholders, whose testimonies have been central to the bill itself, the Senedd said.
However, the consultation process has been previously criticised by opponents who have labeled it as ‘highly selective’ to fit Irranca-Davies’ agenda.
Gareth Davies, Welsh Conservative MS for the Vale of Clwyd, said: “Many such as myself would have liked a more in depth analysis of the economic and cultural impact on planning the sport.
“As members of the Culture Committee, we saw evidence not just from campaigners, but from regulators, from those working in the industry and from communities directly affected.
“What became increasingly clear was that much of the case for this bill rests on outdated assumptions, selective evidence and a failure to properly engage with the current regulatory reality in Wales.”
Additionally, a legal challenge was launched by the GBGB last year to try and reverse the ban, with CEO Bird alleging that the regulatory body had not been consulted with.
On the full approval of the ban, Bird added: “From the very beginning, the Welsh Government had the choice to opt for a regulated industry – one which upholds high standards of welfare and provides far greater protections for its racing greyhounds than for any domestic pet dog,”
“The only thing this Bill will do is destroy people’s jobs, family-run businesses and community touchpoints not to mention cause significant loss to the Welsh economy.
“Valley Greyhound Stadium has invested around £2m in upgraded veterinary, kennelling and track facilities, all while offering employment and economic vitality for a community that needs it. Anyone who has visited the track knows how deeply trainers, kennelhands and owners love their greyhounds and the lengths they go to in caring for and raising happy, healthy greyhounds.
“We remain resolute in our fight against this Bill process and await the court judgements.”
With the Senedd’s decision now finalised, the ban could end up having a wider impact on the greyhound industry, with a similar motion currently being reviewed in Scotland.
It follows the prohibition of greyhound racing in New Zealand last year. This leaves the UK (minus Wales), Australia, Ireland and the US as the only countries in the world where greyhound racing is still legal and practiced.
Dingnews.com 20/03/2026