Cyfarfod y Grŵp Gweithredu'r Gwaharddiad ar Rasio Milgwn: 16 Hydref 2025

Members present

Dr Emily Blackwell (Chair) - Senior Lecturer in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Bristol Veterinary School
Dr Sam Gaines – RSPCA & Cut the Chase Coalition 
Dr Sarah Carr – Veterinary surgeon
Gareth Walters – Welsh Local Government Association 
Katie Bennison – Valley Greyhound Stadium 
Professor Tim Parkin – Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 
Richard Brankley – SIS Ltd representative
Scott Fryer – Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
Vanessa Waddon – Hope Rescue & Cut the Chase Coalition 

Secretariat 

Caitlin Doyle – Welsh Government Official 

Welsh Government support

Jackie Price – Head of Bill Team 

1.1 Dr Emily Blackwell welcomed everyone to the meeting.

1.2 Allan Dallimore has sent his apologies.

2.1 Minutes from the last meeting were reviewed and approved. No amendments were required.

2.2 Dr Blackwell issued a reminder to the group to complete Action 1 from the previous meeting (to submit requested evidence to the Priorities document). Action carried forward as Action 1.

2.3 Action 2 for Dr Blackwell from the previous meeting is in progress (draft timeline detailing the Group’s work), and a draft will be circulated for comment by week ending 24th October.

2.4 Action 3 for Scott Fryer was completed.

2.5 Action 4 for Katie Bennison was completed. Potential visit dates have been shared with Welsh Government officials who are working to organise a visit with the Deputy First Minister’s Private Office.

3.1 There was further discussion on key priorities for the Group, including:

• welfare of dogs
• enforcement
• financial impact on local area
• social impact on local area
• cultural impact on local area
• effect of a closure of the site on employed staff

3.2 Dr Blackwell shared that a student from Bristol Veterinary School will undertake a study with trainers at Valley Greyhound Stadium to investigate what they would do with their dogs if a ban on greyhound racing were to come into force, i.e. retire them, rehome them or continue racing elsewhere in the UK. A draft questionnaire will be circulated with the Group – Action 2

3.3 Richard Brankley raised concerns about the scope of the Bill and whether it will cover the training of greyhounds – Jackie Price clarified that trainers may continue to kennel and train greyhounds in Wales (providing training does not include racing around a track in pursuit of a mechanical lure).

3.4 Dr Blackwell requested more information from the Group on the following aspects:

• details of a model for rehoming from rehoming charities, to support their suggestion for a 12 month phased rehoming of the greyhounds.
• a definition of an eligible greyhound to be rehomed under the project – Vanessa Waddon to lead on as Action 3.
• contingency figures rescue centres set aside for emergency rehoming projects

3.5 Dr Blackwell will request more information via email from Katie Bennison on:

• staffing at Valley (i.e. roles, full/part-time)
• more detail on the contract with SIS (i.e. how many races are they contractually obliged to put on) – Action 4

3.6 Jackie Price requested footfall figures from Valley. Katie Bennison shared Valley does not record footfall at individual meets; however, she can request this information is recorded going forward. Katie Bennison agreed to provide information on venue capacity with the Group – Action 5

4.1 Dr Blackwell is in the process of drafting the report. A draft will be circulated to the Group by week ending 24^th October – Action 6

4.2 Dr Blackwell will allow a 2-week window for comments on the draft student survey, however there is some flexibility on this if needed.

5.1 Katie Bennison has requested ‘social impacts’ be started with at the next meeting under the Priorities agenda point – Action 7 

5.2 Katie Bennison and Richard Brankley shared their concerns about the lack of time frame for providing requested evidence for committee evidence sessions. Professor Tim Parkin also echoed this frustration.

5.3 The next meeting will take place via Microsoft Teams on 21^st November.

Action 1 

Allocated to all.

All to submit requested evidence onto the Priorities document on Objective Connect.

Action 2 

Allocated to Dr Emily Blackwell.

Dr Blackwell to share draft questionnaire for trainers with the Group.

Action 3

Allocated to: Vanessa Waddon.

Vanessa Waddon to lead on a draft of what eligibility a greyhound must meet to be rehomed under the project.

Action 4 

Allocated to Dr Emily Blackwell. 

Dr Blackwell to send an email to Katie Bennison enclosing some questions she would like more information on.

Action 5

Allocated to Katie Bennison.

Katie Bennison to share details of venue capacity at Valley Greyhound Stadium.

Action 6

Allocated to Dr Emily Blackwell.

Dr Blackwell to share a draft of the report with the rest of the Group.

Action 7 

Allocated to all. 

Group to start with ‘social impacts’ when discussing Priorities at the next meeting.