Exploring Wales’ Banned Sport: Where Punters Gather Under the Lights
Greyhound racing in Wales faces a phased end after this month’s Senedd vote. The decision, and a subsequent High Court ruling, have left one community grappling with job losses and uncertain futures.
One man’s life in the sport
Malcolm Tams spent more than five decades involved with greyhound racing. He died in December 2025 at the age of 70.
Introduced to the sport at 18 by his uncle, he later ran the Valley track in the area around Ystrad Mynach. He took over management in 2008 and continued to work there until his death.
The ban and the politics
The Senedd approved a ban on greyhound racing on March 17, 2026. The vote formed part of a deal tied to the 2025-26 budget.
Jane Dodds, the sole Liberal Democrat Senedd member and a greyhound owner, backed the measure. The Welsh Government set a transition window from 1 April 2027 to 1 April 2030.
Legal challenge
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain pursued a judicial review. The GBGB argued that consultation had been inadequate.
On March 20, 2026 the High Court dismissed the challenge. The court found the legislative process lawful.
Local impact and reactions
Valleys Greyhounds remains the last licensed track in Wales. Supporters worry about jobs and animal welfare after racing ends.
Grandson Joe Tams, 21, called the outcome devastating. He said officials had not engaged with the track during the process.
- Staff at the track number around 10 to 15 people. There are roughly 10 trainers, each with additional staff.
- Regular punters, volunteers and families make up a wider local network of supporters.
Voices from the stadium
Longtime attendees described racing as a social outlet and a passion. One man said the sport helped his grandchildren learn numbers and form.
A trainer from Neath said greyhounds had supported his mental health after family bereavements. He warned against painting all trainers with one brush.
A local vet said most racing greyhounds appear fit and that animal care is central to the operation. He questioned whether a ban reflected the views of the wider public.
Operational practices at the track
Staff and owners say dogs are vet-checked and weighed before racing. Dogs are kept in air-conditioned kennels before events.
Races last around 30 seconds. Dogs are washed and checked after races, then rested under supervision.
Government position and timeline
The Welsh Government said the ban aims to reduce injuries, fatalities, and poor post-racing outcomes. Officials pledged a transition period.
The plan includes steps to wind down racing, bolster rehoming arrangements, and prepare enforcement bodies and local authorities.
| Year | Total runs | Deaths | Death rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 355,682 | 123 | 0.03% |
Uncertainties ahead
Residents and staff seek clearer plans on funding and rehoming retired greyhounds. Many face possible job losses within a year.
Some warn that racing could move underground if licensed tracks close. Others call for more research and local engagement.
Filmogaz.com visited the Valley in previous reporting. Locals now await fuller details about the transition. They hope for a solution that protects animals and supports the community.
Exploring this banned sport has exposed a divided debate. Punters and trainers say the lights brought community life to the stadium under the lights. Now they must find a pathway forward.
