The Greyhound Board Of Great Britain have issued a claim for a judicial review over the Welsh Ministers decision to ban greyhound race back in February 2025.
A Petition Of Over 35,000 Signatures Helped Get Greyhound Racing Banned In Wales
Back in February 2025, it was decided by Welsh Ministers that greyhound racing was to banned in Wales – with a petition of over 35,000 one of the reasons for this decision.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies then announced back in February that there will be plans to wind down the greyhound racing in Wales – with the sport coming under criticism for welfare issues surrounding some dogs not being treated well or harmed.
She said back then, no timeline has been put in place for the ban – but went onto say that it’s not impossible for this to be implemented before the next Welsh Parliament election in May 2026.
The Welsh greyhound ban came from cross-party calls to end the sport – with the only dog track in operation in Wales the Valley Stadium in Ystrad Mynach.
Animal Welfare Charities Welcomed The Greyhound Ban In Wales
Welfare charities, that included the Dogs Trust, welcomed the decision and said that the rest of the UK should follow the ban.
But, a similar ban was ruled out by the previous Conservative government.
With the RSPCA also chipping in by saying the Welsh greyhound ban would help “inherent risks that come with competitive racing”.
GBGB Order Judicial Review Claim Over Welsh Greyhound Ban Decision
However, in response to the ban the GBGB, which regulates the sport, said “nothing to do with greyhound welfare and everything to do with pressure from the extreme animal rights movement”.
Adding the Welsh government had not met the industries needs in the country or it’s regulator and said there was a lack of evidence to support the case for this ban on greyhound racing in Wales.
With the dust having settled on the ban announcement back in February, the UK gambling news coming from the GBGB is they’ve since responded by saying on May 19th they will issue a claim for a judicial review of the decision – led by their CEO Mark Bird.
Mark Bird, CEO of the Greyhound Board added
“GBGB has always strongly opposed any ban on greyhound racing and continually encouraged policy makers 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.”
At this stage it’s not known over what dates a judicial review might take place – or if the claim will be heard.
What Is A Judicial Review?
A judicial review is a court proceeding led by a judge who will look at further evidence regarding a decision made by a public body – like a local council or a government department.
The judge will look at aspects around the decision that include if the right processes were taken in order to make the conclusion given.
In this case the banning of greyhound racing in Wales.
If a judge or the court find that a original decision was unlawful they may rule for it to be overturned or suggest other altercations.
Andy is an experienced betting and gambling journalist with over 20 years industry experience. He brings an excellent knowledge of the world of sports betting and online gambling but is mainly regarded as horse racing expert within the betting industry.
