GBGB begins legal challenge of Wales ban of Greyhound Racing

The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has commenced legal proceedings to stop the forthcoming ban on greyhound racing in Wales.

On 18 February, Llywodraeth Cymru, the Welsh government, announced its intention to ban greyhound racing “as soon as practicably possible”.

According to plans led by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, the ban could be implemented before the next parliamentary elections in Wales, scheduled for May 2026.

The decision followed a public consultation, which garnered over 35,000 signatures in support of Wales becoming the first British nation to prohibit the sport. Although the policy carries cross-party backing, no vote was tabled in the Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru).

A coalition of animal welfare organisations — including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Hope Rescue, and Greyhound Rescue Wales — welcomed the decision, branding greyhound racing an “inherently cruel sport, where dogs are bred for the purpose of betting.”

The proposed ban would result in the closure of the Valley Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach, the only remaining greyhound track in Wales, which has operated since 1976.

The GBGB responded immediately to the Welsh Government’s announcement, claiming the consultation had been unduly influenced by extreme animal rights groups.

Greyhound CEO Mark Bird expressed outrage at what he described as a disproportionate action, stressing that the GBGB had not been consulted and criticising the consultation for lacking evidence to support an outright ban.

The GBGB has stated that it is reviewing immediate options to challenge the decision, including pursuing a judicial review in response to the First Ministers’ announcement in February 2025.

Providing an update, Mark Bird, CEO of the GBGB, stated: “GBGB has always strongly opposed any ban on greyhound racing and continually encouraged policymakers to support robust regulation, which is evidently the most effective way to protect the welfare of racing greyhounds and the integrity and prosperity of the sport going forwards.

“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.”

As it stands, no formal timeline has been presented by the Welsh government to enact the ban. However, Ministers continue to support the decision.

To proceed, the Welsh government is establishing an implementation group to manage the transition, aiming to address the welfare of the dogs involved and the impact on the local community and economy.

The coming months are likely to see an intensifying legal and political battle over the future of greyhound racing in Wales. As the Welsh government prepares to implement its landmark decision, the GBGB’s legal challenge signals that the issue is far from settled. 

With strong opposing views on both sides, from animal welfare advocates calling for reform to industry representatives defending the sport’s regulation and heritage, the outcome of the judicial review may prove pivotal not just for Wales, but for the broader debate on greyhound racing across the UK.