~ Senedd petition launched by Valley Greyhound Stadium, Caerphilly, has rapidly gained support from people across Wales ~
~ Petition highlights work at the track towards becoming regulated, which would bring additional welfare benefits, as well as the significant economic and community value it brings ~
A Senedd petition put forward in support of greyhound racing in Wales is quickly gaining traction, after being launched on 22 February 2023.
With months still to go until the petition closes in August, the petition – which was set up by Valley Greyhound Stadium in Caerphilly – has already reached enough signatures to be discussed by the Petitions Committee. It is nearing the 10,000 signature mark, when the petition will be considered for a full debate in the Senedd.
This petition has been met with both local Welsh and worldwide support and has consistently been one of the fastest growing tallies compared to the others active on the Petitions Committee site. Valley Greyhound Stadium launched the petition to counter recent activism against greyhound racing in Wales and demonstrate the strength of support for the sport locally – something which is clear from the take up of signatures so far.
Valley Greyhound Stadium – currently an independent track and the only one in operation in Wales – is seeking to become regulated under the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB). This would bring a large number of benefits, in particular through ensuring the highest standards of greyhound welfare. Under GBGB’s over 200 Rules of Racing, all greyhounds would be carefully monitored and supported across their lifetime.
Malcom Tams of Valley Greyhound Stadium said:
“We have an ambitious goal to become licensed to race under the Greyhound Board of Great Britain’s regulations as soon as the planned developments are completed and necessary criteria are met at the Valley Greyhound Stadium. This will mean we would operate under their well-established Rules of Racing, which uphold world-leading standards of welfare and integrity.
“The racing facilities at the Valley are under a process of continuous review and upgrading as part of our ongoing commitment to high standards of greyhound welfare. Through measures such as a track redesign to widen the bends and track, repositioning of the lure to an underground model, newly built GBGB specification kennels and a dedicated vet’s room for the onsite vet during race meetings, the Valley aims to be an exemplar of best practice when hosting greyhound racing and showcasing greyhound welfare in Wales.
“It is clear from the messages of support that we have received at the Valley Greyhound Stadium that greyhound racing enthusiasts in their thousands – both locally and from across the world – strongly value the sport. They enjoy visiting the Valley to watch these magnificent sighthounds display their talents and we wish to keep this historic sport alive within Wales. The boost to the local economy from the increase in tourism would be most welcome in Ystrad Mynach and Caerphilly.”
“Already we know how much our fans and visitors appreciate the Stadium, not only as a fantastic venue for a night out but as a community hub for Ystrad Mynach and the surrounding area. We are determined to continue evolving, supporting greater regulation for the sport in Wales and preserving the many jobs and revenue we provide locally.”
The petition is available here: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245373.
