GREYHOUND WELFARE

That this House welcomes the draft regulations under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 that will introduce minimum welfare standards across all greyhound racing in England and notes that the regulations will supplement existing primary legislation already imposing a duty of care on all those responsible for a racing greyhound; further notes that the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) licenses and inspects all greyhound trainers and kennels within its jurisdiction; applauds the GBGB's ongoing work to become the first sports governing body to secure UK Accreditation Service accreditation; further notes that industry financial support for the re-homing of retired greyhounds has increased by 500 per cent. since the year 2000, with the result that approximately 8,000 greyhounds are now placed in loving homes on their retirement from racing; and encourages GBGB to continue to develop and promote such practices within the industry.