Overview
- MSPs passed the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill by 70–27 with 19 abstentions, criminalising the operation of tracks and racing of dogs and effectively shutting the last intermittent venue at Thornton, Fife.
- The Senedd approved the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) bill by 39–10 with two abstentions, setting a transition and bringing the ban into force between April 1, 2027 and April 1, 2030.
- The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has brought a judicial review against the Welsh decision, with High Court hearings concluded and judgment reserved for delivery expected between March 23 and April 7.
- A February 2025 Welsh ministerial advice paper recommended licensing owners and trainers instead of an immediate ban, and cross-party scrutiny raised concerns about the robustness of consultation evidence.
- Animal-welfare groups welcomed the moves as a victory for dog welfare, while industry figures condemned the laws as unevidenced and economically damaging, citing 2023 GBGB data of 109 trackside deaths and 4,238 injuries and noting UK ministers say no ban is planned in England.