Greyhound racing stakeholders gave evidence to the Welsh Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee on Thursday on the bill to ban greyhound racing in Wales.
Representatives from GBGB, SIS, the Racecourse Promoters Association (RCPA) and Valley – the track which will be affected – were given the opportunity to object to what the industry described as “distortions of fact” by animal rights groups and individuals calling for the ban.
Reflecting on the session, GBGB CEO Mark Bird, who was among many to speak out on the legitimacy and political motivations behind the bill, said: “As has been outlined, the committee should rightly question whether this bill delivers results on animal welfare, or whether it is simply a political solution to appease animal rights groups.
“It was clear as day that these same animal rights groups and individuals set their sights on the use of animals in horse racing, whippet racing, dog agility, sled dog racing and angling – and even breeding.
“I hope the Committee will now wish to reflect on the accuracy and relevance of the information presented to it and the Welsh Government during the process of this Bill.
“It boggles the mind that we still have to explain why a 2018 report, or 2008 kennel observations, have absolutely no bearing on the sport being permitted today. Nor that we have to frequently repeat that Valley Greyhound Stadium has only been regulated for two years.
“The welfare of greyhounds is paramount to our sport, as demonstrated by the unprecedented initiatives and research programs being implemented as part of the GBGB’s peer-reviewed welfare strategy.
“We thank the committee members who made themselves available for the evidence session, and we maintain our open invitation to the committee to visit Valley in person given the important role it plays in gathering evidence.”
Politics is expected to continue to play a big role in whether or not the bill succeeds, with Plaid Cymru’s historic victory in yesterday’s by-election highlighted by Bird.
“With Plaid Cymru’s victory in Caerphilly, there is a clear call from local people for the Labor government to get back to focusing on what really matters to them,” he said.
“As ministers, civil servants and Senedd committees spend their limited time and resources on a wasteful bill to ban greyhound racing, Welsh people are demanding that their everyday concerns be prioritized, from NHS waiting times to food and energy bills.
“I am pleased that Lindsay Whittle MS came to Valley during his campaign, where he met GBGB representatives and local greyhound enthusiasts and saw the high standards of welfare in place.
“I look forward to engaging further with members across the political spectrum in Wales to show the benefits of robust regulation over an evidence-free, politically motivated ban, allowing them to focus on the real issues affecting the citizens of Wales.” »
Valley promoter and GBGB director Katie Bennison, who earlier this month wrote an open letter to Deputy Prime Minister Huw Irranca-Davies MS, spoke with both passion and frustration during the session, citing “a lack of commitment from anyone” as well as the poor response and acceptance of open invitations to members of the Senedd or its officials to visit Valley.
“We sincerely hope that our evidence and our unequivocal invitation to visit Valley Stadium will be heard and taken seriously,” she said. “The realities and scope of what is in place continue to surprise and impress those who visit. »
Bennison was keen to commend the trainers who also provided evidence during the session and added: “All credit goes to the trainers who volunteered to give oral evidence, or who submitted written evidence during this process. We are extremely grateful to everyone and for the many messages and expressions of support we have received.”
RCPA President Simon Franklin, a Yarmouth developer and board member, said: “There has been deep frustration, distress and sometimes anger at the misrepresentations cited by animal rights groups and individuals in this debate.
“I sympathize with those in sport who may feel the process has been disproportionate, unbalanced and unfair and who want their voices to be heard.
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to give voice to some of their concerns during the session and add some of the many examples of this thriving, wellness-focused sport that we are a part of.”
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