A BAN on greyhound racing is due to be enforced in Wales “as soon as practicably possible,” the Welsh government said today.

The move, making Wales the first British nation to enforce a ban, comes following a government consultation on animal welfare and a petition on the Senedd website which gained 35,000 signatures.

Speaking in the Senedd, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: “We are proud to be the first nation in the UK to do this. 

“I want a ban to come into force as soon as practicably possible.”

An implementation group will be set up to advise how a ban will come into force.

Since 2018, more than 2,700 greyhounds have died or been euthanised following their participation in racing in Britain.

Chris Burghes, chief executive of Blue Cross, one of the charities in Cut the Chase coalition campaigning for the ban, described it as “huge step forward,” adding that they “hope the rest of the UK takes the same view to cut out the sport once and for all.”  

The RSPCA’s Dr Samantha Gaines said: “This is a historic day for animal welfare in Wales, and will protect countless greyhounds from the inherent risks that come with competitive racing.

“This campaign has been a monumental team effort — from the animal welfare groups involved, but also the animal-loving public across Wales who have made their voices heard loud and clear.”