- Won’t greyhound racing go underground if we ban it?
The current model of greyhound racing is an industrial-scale pipeline of dogs being bred and raced for live-streamed racing. It is a complex operation with many moving parts and relies almost entirely on the income from the large, multinational bookmakers. Once greyhound racing is banned, this model will simply no longer be possible as it will lose the funding that sustains it.
As with other banned animal sports such as hunting and coursing, there will still be ‘bad apples’ who attempt to hold events illegally. However, this would be on a tiny scale compared to the 1000s of dogs currently being harmed every year through commercial racing. It would also be much easier to police as it would become a criminal offence and therefore much greater powers would be available.
- Won’t there be an economic impact?
The only people who make any significant money from greyhound racing in Wales are a small group of around 8-10 greyhound trainers, and the large, multinational bookmakers who take bets on races, none of which are based in Wales.
The Valley makes most of its money by live-streaming greyhound racing to betting shops, many of which are not even in Wales. The days of ‘a night out at the dogs’ are long gone and most greyhound stadiums in the UK do not operate this way anymore. Racing largely takes place during the day when the only people in attendance are the trainers and track staff.
- What will happen to the dogs leaving Greyhound Racing?
Animal welfare charities have been preparing for this for over a year. The Welsh Greyhound Partnership, set up in 2025, is a collective of nine organisations committed to ensuring there is a jointly co-ordinated rescue space for every single greyhound leaving racing in Wales as a result of the implementation of the ban. Those forming the partnership are Almost Home Dog Rescue, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Forever Hounds Trust, Hope Rescue, the RSPCA and of course, Greyhound Rescue Wales.
As a result of a time restricted, concerted effort, Welsh Greyhound Partnership members estimate we will be able to provide medical care and provide rescue spaces for up to 275 greyhounds in the two months following the implementation of a ban. And up to 275 greyhounds every 2 months thereafter.
- Won’t the Breed die out/go extinct if greyhound racing ends?
Greyhounds have been around for thousands of years; greyhound racing has only been around for 100 years. Ending greyhound racing will stop excessive overbreeding. But Greyhounds will continue to exist as popular, cherished family pets due to their gentle, low-energy and calm nature.
- Don’t greyhounds love to race?
There is nothing natural about large groups of greyhounds running on tight oval tracks. High speed collisions and falls, particularly at the tight bends, are an inevitable common place feature of greyhound racing. Moreover, racing on oval tracks places extreme stresses on the greyhound’s anatomy. As a result, greyhounds frequently suffer from repetitive stress fractures, life-changing injuries which are simply not seen in the pet dog population.
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB)’s latest statistics show that there were 3,809 UK wide injuries in 2024. Furthermore, 346 racing greyhounds died from reasons other than natural causes or illness in the same period (123 dogs were euthanised at the racetrack).
Greyhounds do enjoy running in short bursts, which is perfectly fine in safe environments. Outside of these brief periods of activity, greyhounds are a low-energy breed and typically spend much of their time resting and sleeping. They only need 2 short walks a day.
- Won’t they just take their dogs across the border and race them in England?’
There is a risk of dogs being transported into England for racing. However, the nearest track in Swindon has recently closed, meaning the nearest now is more than three hours away which makes it impractical and uneconomical.
Furthermore, the Ban will be reviewed after 3 years and if this becomes significant practice, it gives an opportunity to address that.
But the reality is, many won’t. And therefore, we will see a significant reduction in injuries and death and dogs being bred for racing purposes.