The Wales Greyhound Forum was set up by APGAW in 2003 following the publication of the report “The fate of racing greyhounds and working lurchers in Wales”. The Forum is chaired by the Chair of APGAW, Lorraine Barrett AM.
 
The Forum brings together key interests from greyhound racing and welfare organisations in Wales. Its’ members are: Bedwellte Greyhound Stadium, Dogs Trust, Greyhound Rescue Wales, RSPCA Cymru, Swansea Greyhound Stadium and Valleys Greyhound Stadium.

Current Initiatives

Awareness raising. An awareness raising campaign to promote responsible practice among owners of racing greyhounds was launched in January 2005. This involves track managers distributing leaflets and displaying posters produced by the Forum at all three Welsh tracks.

Registration scheme. A registration scheme is being prepared. This will identify clearly all dogs racing at Welsh tracks and the owners of the dogs. It will safeguard dogs when they finish racing by requiring owners to declare what provision they have made for the dog’s retirement.

Promoting good homing practice. The Forum is currently preparing a second campaign to help owners of racing greyhounds find good homes themselves for their dogs. Information will be provided to owners about what do do and what to avoid when homing a dog, and about other organisations that could help them.

Helping to shape policy.  The Forum will be looking to work closely with the National Assembly for Wales on drafting regulations and the code of conduct that will govern greyhound racing in Wales following the implementation of the Animal Welfare Bill. It is therefore anticipated that the Wales Greyhound Forum will have an important role in ensuring the welfare of all racing greyhounds in Wales in the future.