Meetings

The petitions under Item 3.10 – P-06-1253 - and Item 3.11 – P-06-1354 – were considered together. The Chair Carolyn Thomas MS declared an interest that as the Chair of the Cross-Party Group on Animal Welfare she had been fighting strongly for a ban on greyhound racing in Wales, and had led a short debate on the issue. Luke Fletcher MS also declared an interest as a member of Greyhound Rescue Wales. It was noted that the Welsh Government’s intention was clear, and the Committee agreed to write to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee to make them aware of the petitions but then to close both petitions and allow the Senedd scrutiny process to take place. The letter would also reference the other issues raised in the wider consultation on the Licensing of Animal Welfare Establishments, Activities and Exhibits, including on licensing of the dog grooming sector. The views of Joel James MS on the best way to address the animal welfare issues – as expressed in paragraph 27 of the Committee’s 2022 report ‘The Final Bend?’ – were noted on the record.

The Committee considered the petition alongside petition P-06-1253 Ban greyhound racing in Wales and welcomed the consultation on Licensing of animal welfare establishments, activities and exhibits which closes on 1 March.

Members agreed to keep a watching brief on the petitions until the outcome of the consultation is published.

The Committee considered the petition and agreed to keep it open pending the Welsh Government’s consultation expected later this year. The Chair also encouraged the petitioner and the petitioner calling to Ban Greyhound Racing to engage with the Welsh Government’s consultation.