Before addressing the issues around the petition, I'd just like to set out some of the work Welsh Government is doing to ensure we have some of the highest animal health and welfare standards in the world. At the beginning of this term of Government, I set out our five-year animal welfare plan. It sets out our programme for government commitments and complements our animal health and welfare framework. Together, they set the direction and drive a broad range of animal welfare improvements that I want to see.

Work on animal welfare enforcement has progressed, with a call for evidence under way to establish if existing regulation remains sufficient. Welsh Government funded a local authority enforcement project with 11 new officers taking up post, and over 40 having received training over the past three years.

Our consultation on closed-circuit television in slaughterhouses closed in February, with a summary of responses to be published shortly. We've been working with other administrations to examine the use of enriched cages for laying hens, farrowing crates for pigs, and breeding cages for game birds. We continue to work with the UK and Scottish Governments, stakeholders and animal welfare organisations on proposals to improve welfare during transport.

The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill makes provisions to deliver important reforms. Unfortunately, this is currently stalled, and I have been urging the UK Government on its progression. We've updated statutory guidance for the dog breeding regulations, and the introduction of new regulations on pet sales has made it an offence to sell a puppy or kitten not bred at the premises at which it is sold. All of these actions, I think, reinforce the message: the welfare of animals is an absolute priority here in Wales.

On ensuring a good quality of life for animals, Members have questioned if this is currently the case for racing greyhounds. Recent reports and feedback on the current arrangements show there is clearly room for improvement or for wider change. In 2019, we secured funding under the partnership delivery programme to enable Caerphilly council to carry out non-statutory welfare inspections at the Valley greyhound stadium. Animal health officers carried out eight inspections at race events between February 2020 and August 2022. On three occasions, the officers were accompanied by a vet. Whilst no serious welfare issues were reported at these inspections, the track does not operate to Greyhound Board of Great Britain standards, declared by the industry representatives that I have met to be best practice. I want these inspections to continue, and I am making provisions for them to do so. They provide a critical safeguard for the greyhounds and an insight into the conditions during race meetings, noting how this is only a snapshot of the dogs' lives and well-being.

Comparisons have been made to the horse-racing industry. Horse racing in Britain is amongst the world's best regulated animal activities. The British Horseracing Authority, together with the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare, is a signatory of the national equine welfare protocol. There is at least one BHA veterinary officer on duty at every race meeting, who oversees horse welfare and ensures the standards laid down by BHA are maintained.

There are many factors to assess whilst we look to improve the welfare of racing greyhounds, and I am committed to exploring all opportunities on how to achieve this. As the Chair of the Petitions Committee mentioned in his opening remarks, I have committed to consult on proposals, which will include seeking views on licensing and prohibiting greyhound racing in Wales. We will explore all options and we will take into account the views of the public and all stakeholders. Whilst discussions around an outright ban are necessary and of course will attract headlines, it is imperative that we approach the topic in a reasoned and appropriate way.

Our consultation must be based on the best evidence and will require assistance from those in the industry, as well, of course, as our animal health and welfare organisations. This is vital so that the public receives an informed view on both the current position and how positive change could be brought in to improve welfare and create a better life for racing greyhounds at all stages of their life, not just during race meets. I want to do this as soon as possible, and work on a stronger evidence base will commence this year, with a view to publishing a consultation towards the end of 2023.

My comments to the Petitions Committee left all options on the table, including licensing and a phased ban, and this Government will take a view on the future of greyhound racing only after considering the responses to the consultation. Diolch.