Let me start by assuring you I take the welfare of all animals, including greyhounds, very seriously. As you may already know, anyone failing to provide for the welfare of a racing greyhound in their care is liable to prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act, as well as enforcement action from the sport’s governing body, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB). New legislation came into force in 2021, increasing the maximum sentence for the worst animal cruelty offences from six months to five years.
The Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations 2010 were reviewed in 2016 under the previous Government, both by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee. The review found that, judged against their original objectives, the regulations have been broadly effective. The review also identified areas where the industry could take further action, and Defra has worked closely over the last few years with the GBGB to ensure these actions are taken. This includes the annual publication of injury, euthanasia and retirement statistics, and addressing welfare issues at the GBGB affiliated trainers’ kennels. The GBGB's long-term welfare strategy will further promote and protect welfare at all stages of a racing greyhound’s life, not just its racing career. The new Government has confirmed it is monitoring the GBGB’s progress in delivering the strategy. Should further measures and protections be required, I hope that the Government will consider options which are targeted, effective, and proportionate.
At present, the British Greyhound Racing Fund collects a voluntary levy from bookmakers which directly supports greyhound welfare and the sport’s integrity. I am aware that around 95 per cent of all licensed betting offices, including those online, are contributing to the voluntary greyhound levy, however, I continue to encourage any remaining bookmakers to follow suit. The Government must ensure that the voluntary contributions reflect the benefits the betting industry derives from Greyhound Racing as a betting product, keeping in mind the important role the levy has in supporting the growth and sustainability of the sport. I understand the GBGB have launched a Keep Welfare On Track campaign, which is calling for all bookmakers to pay a levy that is statutory rather than voluntary.
There are 21 licensed stadiums in Great Britain, regulated by the main industry regulatory body, the GBGB. The GBGB has estimated that the British greyhound industry employs over 7,000 people across the country, with an annual turnover estimated at £2.6 billion. In 2019/20, betting on greyhound racing raised £35m through the General Betting Duty, making a significant contribution to our economy.
The Welsh Labour Government announced its intentions to ban greyhound racing in Wales on the 18th February. I will follow the progress of the Implementation Group with interest and hope the likely reduction in the amount of money generated from the voluntary levy will not leave vital greyhound welfare charities unfunded, harming former racing greyhounds. I understand the current Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy MP, has made it clear this Labour Government has no plans to follow in Wales’ footsteps by banning greyhound racing.
Significant progress has been made to improve greyhound welfare; I welcome the efforts the sport is making to address the issues which have been raised and will be following any developments in Wales closely as they happen.
