~ 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.
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A balanced and fair article unlike other news outlets in Wales!
Why would anyone deny a greyhound the joy of racing? They are born to race and love it so much.
It’s great to see racing portrayed correctly for a change instead of pandering to the fanatical minority of animal activists. I hope The Valley go from strength to strength,keeping this family friendly sport going for the future generations
Totally support these absolutely amazing animals
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMYCnsd9K/
Thank you West Wales Chronicle for allowing the truth rather than the misinformation and deliberate lies of the anti racing activists that want racing and all sports involving animals banned. (This is being funded in Wales by the American activist group Grey2K who came over to Wales to spread lies and propaganda).
The photo used by the RSCA in Wales to promote a ban was actually from an American track with eight greyhounds racing (in UK they are six) and wearing different muzzles so it is obvious who provided that . The ‘ information’ they used was absolutely not true either.
When the Valleys becomes a GBGB licensed track there will be a vet there for all meetings,statistics regarding injuries and deaths will be published annually (all deaths of greyhounds including illness and natural causes),and all greyhound racing there will be part of the GBGB Injury Recovery Scheme and Rehoming Scheme.
One Welsh newspapers is refusing to print the press release supplied to them,but has printed all the anti racing articles even if they contain misleading and untrue information!
Thank you West Wales Chronicle for having a balanced and not biased view.
Thankyou for showing the other side of the story which some other less balanced news outlets have refused to do. The track wil be subject to over 200 rules and regs under GBGB regulation,how anyone can oppose better welfare and regulation and claim to ‘care’about dogs is beyond me. The opposition’s real beef is the ‘use’of aninals in any sports,anyone with any common sense can see the way this would be going if these people got their way. They also constantly lie about racing,ask why do they need to do that if the reality is supposedly as ‘bad’as they claim? The evidence from the charities continues to be hidden from public scrutiny-again why would this be if it’s so damning? People need to look under the surface of this campaign and ask themselves what the true motives are rather than taking things at face value.
Thank you for highlighting the positive aspects of greyhound racing and welfare. The regulations and standard of care throughout the greyhounds lifetime are paramount,from birth to retirement and can clearly be seen in the GBGB figures. This can be proven unlike the blatant lies that anti racing claim.
Thank you for telling the truth and well done to all the people at The Valley for their hard work and dedication.
Thank you West Wales Chronicle for hearing our voices
#thevalley♥️
Keep greyhound racing in Wales ♥️
Thank you West Wales Chronicle for highlighting this. I have signed the petition and hopefully the new stadium will provide a great night for people coupled with enhanced welfare for the stars of the show,the greyhounds.
Thanks for showing the other side of the story. Dogs doing what they love racing. They don’t want the animal rights loons taking this away from them
Great to see West Wales Chronicle giving the dogs a voice. Racing is these sighthounds greatest passion and firmer regulation can only enhance welfare.
I hope the Welsh public do not give in to the animal rights agenda of ‘banning’ because all sporting &working animals,farming &fisheries and pets will be eradicated if these Rights extremists get their way.
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