Animal lovers have launched a petition to stop the expansion plans of Wales' last greyhound race track for fear an increase in the sport will lead to more dogs being injured, or even killed. In March this year more than 35,000 dog lovers made their voices heard in trying to get Welsh Government to ban greyhound racing in this country.
And now thousands have also signed an online petition opposing the Valleys Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach's bid to become a Greyhound Board of Great Britain-licensed, commercial track by January 2024. They argue that this would see the number of races it's able to hold on a weekly basis potentially quadruple.
Part of this bid includes a planning application, submitted to Caerphilly County Borough Council in August, for the construction of a two story extension to serve as function rooms and a separate single storey extension which with acts as, amongst other things[, a lobby, toilet facilities and office space. Work on the project is believed to have already begun.
Objections to the plans has been spearheaded by Hope Rescue dogs' home in Llanharan. The charity's Amazing Greys project clams to have so far taken in more than 40 greyhounds seriously injured at the venue, several of which eventually lost their lives. Vanessa Waddon, founder of Hope Rescue - which is being supported by the likes of Greyhound Rescue Wales and Forever Hounds Trust - explained that greyhounds often fall prey to broken legs, backs and skull fractures whilst racing.
"For several years we've been greatly concerned about the number of injuries and the number of dogs dying at the Valleys track, as well as other welfare issues," she said, adding that Dogs Trust, RSPACA and Blue Cross had also recently added their weight to calling for a ban on the sport. "The intensification of racing there is going to mean more deaths and more injuries, along with more surplus dogs that need rehoming."
The petition also states that "no efforts have been made to consult with the local community" regarding the planning application, "nor have they undertaken any flooding or environmental impact studies - the site sits in a flood risk area and there are records of otter and bat within its vicinity.
"Without timely and clear communication from the track, there has not been adequate opportunity for the public and local residents to respond and make their opinions known," it reads. "We know how passionate the public are about dog welfare, and that they would want to respond to these proposed plans."
The stadium's owner Malcolm Tamms, was adamant he had the backing of the local community, adding that until greyhound racing is banned in Wales his plans "aren't breaking any rules." He insisted that the welfare of the dogs which race at the track is "of the utmost importance" and that the stadium had previously been inspected by the local authority and veterinary staff.
"Until the Welsh Government say otherwise, we're doing nothing wrong," he added. "Besides, becoming licensed with the Greyhound Board of Great Britain would only lead to even tighter safety and welfare standards at the stadium, which can only be a good thing."
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