In a historic move in the field of animal rights, greyhound racing will be banned in Wales. This will make it the first nation in the United Kingdom to do so.
This decision came after a petition gathered over 35,000 signatures. This helps reduce the number of countries allowing this practice worldwide.
Wales: Greyhound racing to be definitively banned
Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, expressed support for the measure. “I want the ban to come into effect as soon as possible,” he stated.
Wales will ban greyhound racing.
“There will be work to be done to ensure that the dogs, their owners, and those involved in the industry surrounding the racetrack can move away from this activity,” he pointed out.
“And at the same time, protect the welfare of the dogs currently in the industry, the local community, and the local economy,” he added.
The dog racing industry is rife with animal welfare issues, such as deaths, injuries, and doping. Therefore, the news was celebrated by animal protection organizations and the community at large.
Decades-long campaign
Tim Doyle, CEO of Greyhound Rescue Wales, one of the organizations that spearheaded the campaign, also expressed satisfaction.
“This is a landmark day for greyhounds, an ancient and noble breed whose recent history has been marred by this cruel and unnecessary gambling product,” he said.
“This campaign has been brewing for decades. We want to pay tribute to each and every defender of greyhounds who have tirelessly fought for many years to protect these voiceless dogs,” he added.
“We are working hard with our rescue partners to coordinate and manage the relocation of dogs leaving the industry. We are committed to ensuring that no dog is left homeless when greyhound racing ends in Wales,” he stated about the future of the animals.
8 years after the ban in Argentina
Worldwide ban on greyhound racing.
Greyhound racing was banned in Argentina eight years ago. On November 17, 2016, by a slim margin, the bill proposing the prohibition of dog racing throughout Argentine territory became law.
This is under law 27,330, which establishes prison sentences of up to 4 years for those who “organize, promote, facilitate, or participate in a dog race, regardless of their breed“.
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