Green Party Councillor Anthony Flynn has called for immediate government intervention regarding greyhound racing in Northern Ireland, citing recent legislative moves to ban the practice in other parts of the UK.

The appeal follows votes in both Scotland and Wales to prohibit the sport. Councillor Flynn highlighted that, in contrast, Northern Ireland continues to host an industry that he describes as operating without sufficient transparency, accountability, or dedicated legislation.

Councillor Flynn stated: "This week, both Scotland and Wales have voted to ban greyhound racing. Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, we still have an unregulated industry operating without transparency or accountability. "There is no dedicated legislation governing greyhound racing here. There is no official data on injuries or deaths and no proper oversight from DAERA. We know from other jurisdictions that greyhounds are injured and killed on tracks every year. There is no reason to believe Northern Ireland is any different."

The councillor expressed dissatisfaction with the current response from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). He noted that while Belfast City Council had previously called for action, the DAERA Minister indicated that the issue is not currently a priority and that there is insufficient time in the present mandate to address it.

"That is simply not good enough," Councillor Flynn added. "An unregulated industry involving animals should be a major concern for the minister responsible for animal welfare. Delaying action until the next mandate risks more animals suffering.

"The question is whether we follow the evidence and act, or continue to turn a blind eye while others take action."