Campaign reply - Parliamentary debate greyhound racing

Thank you for contacting my office. I very much appreciate you getting in touch about the welfare of racing greyhounds.

I agree with you that these gentle, sensitive animals deserve our best protection. I am reassured that anyone failing to provide for the welfare of a racing greyhound in their care could face prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act, as well as enforcement action from the sport’s governing body, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB). New legislation came into force in 2021, increasing the maximum sentence for the worst animal cruelty offences from six months to five years.

I am aware that an e-petition relating to greyhounds was debated in the previous parliamentary session and I continue to follow this issue closely. Significant progress that has been made to improve greyhound welfare, and I know that the Government does not believe that a ban on greyhound racing is necessary. The Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations 2010 was reviewed in 2016, both by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the House of Commons' Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.

The review found that, judged against their original objectives, the regulations have been broadly effective. The review also identified areas where the industry could take further action and Defra has been working closely with GBGB to ensure these actions are taken. This includes the annual publication of injury, euthanasia and retirement statistics, and addressing welfare issues at GBGB affiliated trainers’ kennels. I am aware that GBGB has launched its new long-term welfare strategy to further promote and protect welfare at all stages of a racing greyhound’s life, not just its racing career.

I am glad that the British Greyhound Racing Fund (BGRF) collects a voluntary levy from bookmakers. These funds directly support greyhound welfare and the sport’s integrity, and to a lesser extent the development and promotion of the sport. The Government will continue to encourage any remaining bookmakers that have not signed up to the voluntary arrangements to follow suit. I am aware that around 95 per cent of all licensed betting offices, including those online, are now contributing to the voluntary greyhound levy.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.