UK bookmakers commit to greyhound welfare

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport and Mims Davies MP have announced a new funding deal in which British bookmakers have agreed to contribute up to GBP 3 million towards the welfare of greyhounds.

The Minister for Sport Mims Davies announced that the funding will contribute towards new tailored training for veterinary staff, the expansion of an injury recovery scheme and the provision of more homes for retired greyhounds.

The increased funding for the Greyhound Trust will also go towards improving safety across the nation’s 21 licenced racetracks, kennel improvements and the provision of air-conditioning for trainers’ vehicles to improve welfare standards.

The voluntary commitment from Betfred, William Hill, Sky Betting and Gaming, and Paddy Power Betfair, was reached following discussions chaired by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Major operators Ladbrokes-Coral, Bet 365 and Jennings Bet have previously made commitments on the same basis.

Gambling Minister, Mims Davies, said:

“I am delighted to have reached an agreement with leading operators to ensure the welfare of our greyhounds is protected and improved through this fund.

“As the sixth most watched sport in Britain, it is clear that the welfare and care of all racing greyhounds, from registration to retirement, must be a fundamental part of its successful future.

“I strongly urge all remaining bookmakers that take bets on greyhound racing who have not signed up to this agreement to follow suit and support the sport.

The agreement took effect from 1 January 2019 and is expected to increase the income to the British Greyhound Racing Fund to around GBP 10 million a year.

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