Cyfarfod y Grŵp Gweithredu'r Gwaharddiad ar Rasio Milgwn: 26 Mawrth 2026

Members present

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

Secretariat 

Caitlin Doyle: Welsh Government Official

Welsh Government support

Kate Frawley: Senior Policy Manager – Greyhound Bill

1.1 Dr Emily Blackwell welcomed everyone to the meeting.
1.2 Allan Dallimore and Sarah Carr sent their apologies.

2.1 February meeting minutes were agreed. No amendments required.
2.2 Action points were reviewed:

February

Action 1: ongoing

Dr Blackwell to add social/cultural impact considerations to rationale for independent economic impact assessment.

Action 2: completed

Dr Blackwell to identify target audiences for each recommendation.

Action 3: completed

Caitlin Doyle to add amendments/implications discussion to next agenda.

Action 4: addressed during the meeting

Caitlin Doyle to share amendments tabled/accepted after Stage 3.

Social/cultural impact

3.1 Katie Bennison will update on potential future uses of Valley Stadium after the Senedd elections and new Government formation.

3.2 Many Valley trainers have not completed the Bristol Vet School survey; Katie offered to support completion during her next visit.

Economic impact

3.3 Dr Blackwell shared information about WISERD as a possible provider of an economic impact assessment. 

3.4 WG to consider re‑inviting WISERD representatives to join the group. 

Action 1: Caitlin Doyle to share WISERD information with Dr Blackwell and explore WG funding frameworks. 

3.5 Discussions ongoing between Dr Blackwell and Allan Dallimore on commissioning an independent assessment. 

3.6 Potential meeting suggested between Allan and Katie Bennison regarding future use of Valley Stadium. 

3.7 Dr Blackwell will write again to GBGB to invite membership. 

Action 2: Dr Blackwell to contact GBGB after judicial review outcome.

Welfare of greyhounds

3.8 Dr Gaines requested clarity from GBGB on rehoming capacity. 

Action 3: Dr Blackwell to ask GBGB for this information.

Enforcement

3.9 No issues raised.

4.1 Scott Fryer presented the draft MOU on confidential information‑sharing between parties. 

4.2 Further development will continue alongside implementation planning. 

Action 4: All members to suggest organisations for possible inclusion in the MOU list.

5.1 Kate Frawley provided an update on the Bill’s status.

6.1 The pre‑election period begins 8 April. Meetings may continue but without Welsh Government secretariat support. The Implementation Group can continue to carry out its duties during this period. 

6.2 Future meeting dates will be confirmed after a new Government is formed in May. 

6.3 The group’s initial report will be sent to the incoming Minister once appointed; the Minister will formally respond after appointment. 

6.4 The group formally thanked Jackie Price for her contributions and wished her well in retirement.

Actions log

Action 1

Allocated to Caitlin Doyle

Share WISERD information and explore WG funding frameworks.

Action 2

Allocated to Dr Blackwell

Write to GBGB post‑judicial review regarding IG membership.

Action 3

Allocated to Dr Blackwell

Request details from GBGB on their rehoming capacity.

Action 4

Allocated to all

Suggest organisations for inclusion in the MOU list.