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Coalition urges Welsh government to ban greyhound racing
There is currently one greyhound racing track in Wales.

The government has launched a 12-week consultation.

A coalition of animal welfare charities has called for the Welsh government to phase out greyhound racing, as it launches a 12-week consultation on animal welfare.

The ‘Cut the Chase’ Coalition, which includes RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Blue Cross, say that this could be an opportunity for Wales to become the first UK home nation to end the activity.

As part of the consultation, which began on 8 December, the Welsh government will seek evidence that will either justify or negate the coalition’s calls for a phased ban in future.

There is currently one greyhound racing track in Wales, which was previously unlicensed. Earlier this year, it was registered under the regulatory body the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB).

However, the coalition believes that industry self-regulation is incompatible with protecting the welfare of greyhounds.

The RSPCA believes that greyhounds are being placed at serious risk of injury and death during races. They quote GBGB statistics that say that 244 greyhounds had died and 4,354 injuries had occurred as a result of greyhound racing in the past year.

A 2022 report found that the majority of Senedd Members on the Welsh Parliament’s Petitions Committee supported a racing ban. This was followed by a public petition, which found over 18,000 people from Wales also supported it.

Unlike in England, Wales currently has no statutory regulations or laws specific to governing greyhound racing.

The Cut the Chase Coalition maintains that phasing out greyhound racing is the only way to prevent related injuries and death.

Dr Samantha Gaines, from the RSPCA, said: “The 'Cut the Chase' coalition believe the science, public opinion and animal welfare considerations all clearly demonstrate that the time has come for the minister for rural affairs in Wales to act - while globally, the prevalence of greyhound racing has been in serious decline.

"Wales needs to seize this opportunity to phase out greyhound racing for good; and deliver a better life for greyhounds."

We have reached out to GBGB for comment.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.