The Welsh government has set out plans to ban greyhound racing.
Deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies told the Senedd on Tuesday that now was “the right time to ban greyhound racing” in the nation.
Mr Irranca-Davies, who is also the climate change and rural affairs secretary, said the government was proud that Wales was “the first nation in the UK” to introduce such a ban.
A call to end greyhound racing was one of the most popular petitions on the Senedd’s website, having garnered more than 35,000 signatures.
The government said almost two thirds of respondents to its consultation on a national model for animal welfare were in favour of a ban on greyhound racing.
Since 2018, more than 2,700 greyhounds have died or were put to sleep after taking part in a race, according to the Greyhound Board of Great Britain.
Mr Irranca-Davies said he had “listened” to the “strength of feeling” on the subject and that he wanted the ban to come into force “as soon as practicably possible”.
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“There will be work to do in ensuring the dogs, their owners, and those involved in the industry around the racetrack, can wind down from this activity while still protecting the welfare of dogs currently within the industry, the local community and the local economy,” he added.
The government will now look to set up an implementation group to engage with stakeholders and learn from countries such as New Zealand, where the government has already started the process of introducing a ban.
Only the UK, US, Australia and Ireland still allow commercial greyhound racing.
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The announcement has been welcomed by members of the Cut the Chase Coalition, which comprises of charities Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Hope Rescue, the RSPCA and Greyhound Rescue Wales.
Dr Samantha Gaines, head of companion animals at the RSPCA, said the campaign to introduce a ban had been “a monumental team effort”.
“We now stand ready to work closely with the Welsh government, the racing industry and racing greyhound owners to protect the dogs who will now exit competitive racing; and help find them a loving home,” she added.
Chief executive of Greyhound Racing Wales, Tim Doyle, said it hoped other UK governments would now “take notice of Wales leading the way in putting greyhound welfare above entertainment”.
