Bringing the end of greyhound racing in Wales

We are sure many of you are aware that on 18th February 2025 the Welsh Government announced the very welcome news that greyhound racing will be banned in Wales, the first UK nation to take this step.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced plans to wind down activities at the sole track in Wales, the Valley Stadium in Ystrad Mynach. At present, as yet, no date has been announced for the ban as Mr Irranca-Davies said:

There will be work to do in ensuring the dogs, their owners, and those involved in the industry around the racetrack, can wind down from this activity while still protecting the welfare of dogs currently within the industry, the local community and the local economy.

Prior to the news, Forever Hounds Trust had been part of a group of rescues who had already been planning for this potential outcome, and accordingly were committed to playing a key role in securing the safety of all the greyhounds concerned.

Following the news, the ‘Welsh Greyhound Partnership’ has been formed, comprising of a number of rescue organisations committed to securing the welfare of the greyhounds that will inevitably exit the industry. We can confirm that Forever Hounds Trust are taking a central role in this operation. The Partnership have released the following statement.

We are committed to protecting the welfare of each and every greyhound that leaves the racing industry in Wales. We are united by our determination to ensure that no dog is unnecessarily put to sleep, or made homeless, by an end to greyhound racing.

As a group, we commit to ensuring that there is a rescue space for every single greyhound leaving racing in Wales as a result of the implementation of a ban and providing a central point of contact for owners and trainers wanting to relinquish their dogs.

We will ensure that all dogs are provided with veterinary and behavioural support in accordance with their individual needs while in the care of rescue organisations and in preparation for rehoming, regardless of which organisation they are helped by.

Thank you for reading, we hope this news gives you the confidence that greyhound welfare is of the utmost importance to many in the very welcome end of greyhound racing in Wales.