Written Statement: Draft of the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill

I am pleased to announce that today I am publishing a draft of the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill. 

The Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill makes it an offence to operate a stadium or similar venue in Wales and use it, or knowingly permit it to be used, for greyhound racing. The Bill also makes it an offence to be involved in organising greyhound racing in Wales. “Greyhound racing” is defined as setting greyhounds to run around a track in pursuit of a lure activated by mechanical means and includes timing or training a greyhound as it runs around a track. The draft Bill can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.wales/prohibition-greyhound-racing-wales-bill. 

The aim of publishing a draft of the Bill today is to give Senedd Members and interested stakeholders an opportunity to see the proposed scope and direction of the Bill before its formal introduction in the autumn. It is still subject to the Llywydd’s determination and so not published for further consultation at this stage. Work continues on the preparation of the Bill and there are likely to be changes before it is introduced to the Senedd. This is not therefore a final version.

I look forward to working with Senedd Members on the provisions of the Bill during scrutiny after the Bill is introduced in the autumn.

This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.