Heather Hamilton

AN OPEN LETTER TO @Cai_ParryJones Dear Mr Parry-Jones, I am deeply disappointed by your recent Facebook post. Not because you wish to overturn the ban on greyhound racing – that is your prerogative as an elected Member of the Senedd – but because of your unnecessary and offensive description of hard-working and respected animal welfare organisations in Wales as “fat-cat lobbyists”. Animal welfare is a cross-party issue, and it is both legitimate and important for charities to engage with elected representatives and advocate for policies that we believe will deliver the best welfare outcomes for animals in Wales. We will not always agree with every party or individual politician, and issues such as greyhound racing, the badger cull and hunting can understandably be contentious and divisive. But we have always sought to engage constructively and respectfully, recognising the different roles we each have. The #CutTheChase coalition – Hope Rescue, Greyhound Rescue Wales, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross and RSPCA – plays a significant role in safeguarding animal welfare in Wales. Between us, we rescue and rehome thousands of animals every year. Last year alone, Hope Rescue provided a place of safety for 794 dogs. Coalition members support owners in crisis by taking in their pets; help local authorities discharge their statutory stray dog responsibilities; support pet owners fleeing domestic abuse; help homeless people keep their pets; rescue surplus and injured greyhounds; provide subsidised veterinary care; investigate and prosecute animal cruelty; help close down puppy farms; and support pet owners to keep their animals through community programmes. This is difficult, challenging and often deeply emotional work. We are currently operating in the midst of an animal welfare crisis, with demand for our services far exceeding our capacity to respond. At a time when charities are already under enormous financial and operational pressure, it is particularly disappointing to see organisations working on the frontline characterised in this way. Advocacy and engagement with politicians are a legitimate and essential part of charitable work. Campaigning for long-term change that improves animal welfare, tackles the causes of the problems we see every day and reduces pressure on already overstretched services is an important part of our role. We have always sought to maintain constructive relationships with Welsh Government and opposition parties, regardless of whether we agree with their policies. We may disagree profoundly about greyhound racing and how its future should be determined, but those disagreements should not diminish the contribution made by the organisations and people working every day to protect animals in Wales. To describe those organisations and their supporters as “fat-cat lobbyists” is not an accurate or fair characterisation of the work we do. Nor do I believe it is helpful to the wider relationship between politicians and the voluntary sector when there are legitimate policy disagreements. I would therefore ask you to reconsider your choice of words and how you engage with our sector. More importantly, I would welcome the opportunity for you to come and speak with us tomorrow, when we will be attending the #WorldAnimalDay celebrations at the Senedd. You will find representatives of all the coalition organisations there. We would be very happy to talk to you about the work we do, the challenges we face and why we believe advocacy for animal welfare is such an important part of our role. We may not agree on greyhound racing. But we should be able to disagree while maintaining respect for one another and for the people working every day to protect animals across Wales. Yours sincerely, Vanessa Waddon CEO, Hope Rescue