Greyhound Racing

He supports high welfare standards in greyhound racing, acknowledging past issues but emphasizing recent progress. He notes the economic importance of the sport and its historical significance, while urging continued improvement in welfare measures.

Ian Lavery expressed strong support for greyhound racing's welfare improvements, highlighting the need to increase investment in greyhounds' health and well-being. He noted that despite some harrowing tales of mistreatment, the majority of those involved treat greyhounds with care and respect. Statistics show a positive trend: injuries have decreased from 4,963 in 2018 to 3,575 now, and fatalities dropped from 242 to 200 during the same period. Lavery also praised the high re-homing rate of retired greyhounds at 95%, stressing that trainers and handlers work tirelessly for these animals' welfare.

John McNally expressed concern about the welfare of greyhounds in racing, highlighting historical and current issues such as animal cruelty, poor living conditions, and difficulties finding homes for retired dogs. He mentioned that over 30,000 dogs are surplus each year, with around 3,575 injuries recorded in 2020. McNally also shared a letter from a constituent describing the life of a rescued greyhound named Morag, emphasizing the need for better treatment and homes for retired racing greyhounds.

My hon. Friend is indeed an animal welfare champion in this House and has been for a long time, and I share his passion for animals. Is it not correct that many of the statistics on the welfare of greyhounds—such as the number of injuries or the number of greyhounds successfully housed after retirement—show the movement is all in the right direction? There is still work to be done, but are we not moving in the right direction?

Discussed the EFRA Committee's 2016 inquiry on greyhound racing welfare, highlighted that 104,000 people have signed a petition regarding the issue. Emphasised the importance of improving conditions at tracks and with trainers, as well as ensuring traceability through microchipping and tattooing. Stressed the need for better transparency in dog euthanasia statistics and advocated for increased funding from the betting industry to improve greyhound welfare. Called for ensuring that veterinary expertise is prioritized over economic considerations in decisions about the welfare of retired or injured greyhounds, highlighting the importance of making euthanasia an animal welfare decision rather than an economic one. He urged the Minister to ensure that all entities within the betting industry pay their dues, highlighting discrepancies in some companies not fulfilling this obligation.

Acknowledged the importance of addressing transparency in greyhound welfare, emphasizing the need for proper guidance on best practice, statutory minimum standards for racing and welfare, better mechanisms to trace ownership, and a centralised database. Raised concerns about the lack of clarity on what happens to retired greyhounds after they are no longer fit for racing.