Dog-free zones needed in parks to tackle racism, Welsh government told

14 November 2024, 14:08 | Updated: 15 November 2024, 09:27

Dog-free zones should be introduced to tackle racism, the Welsh government has been told.
Dog-free zones should be introduced to tackle racism, the Welsh government has been told. Picture: Alamy

By Emma Soteriou

The Welsh government has been told to ban dogs from the countryside in a bid to tackle racism.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

It comes as part of the government's plans to end racism in Wales by 2030, ensuring that "all areas" of public life are transformed.

The recommendations were given in a report submitted by environmental group Climate Cymru BAME.

Dog-free areas should be created in local green spaces to make them more inclusive, the report says. However, the point is not elaborated on.

Other recommendations include encouraging ethnic minorities to volunteer in the environmental sector and climate change advocacy.

Read more: Council fined £500,000 for 'wholly avoidable' death after tree branch fell and killed man walking dog in park

Read more: Military dogs get £3m kit boost with goggles, vests, and boots to prepare them for parachute drops into combat zones

The report is being used to help "support policy teams" that are "developing and implementing" anti-racism plans.

It was produced following calls for an evaluation of "racism relating to climate change, environment, and rural affairs".

The Welsh Conservatives have hit out at the report, labelling it "nonsense".

Leader Andrew RT Davies said: "Divisive nonsense submitted as part of Labour's so called 'Anti Racist Wales Action Plan'.

"The whole thing should be scrapped."

Speaking to the Telegraph, he added: "Labour is stuck on yesterday’s thinking, the kind that is being roundly rejected globally. Time to turf them out."

As a result of reports published to date, the Welsh government has concluded that ethnic minorities face "barriers" to the outdoors created by "exclusions and racism".

Separate recommendations from the NWAS have also called for "dog-free areas".

It said that during one of its focus groups, "one black African female stated that she feels unsafe with the presence of dogs".

A Welsh government spokesperson said it is "committed to creating an anti-racist nation by 2030".

"Our anti-racist Wales action plan is built on the values of anti-racism and calls for zero tolerance of all racial inequality," they said.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A 'professional group of travelling burglars' broke into Newcastle striker Alexander Isak's home and stole his car, jewellery worth £68,000 and up to £10,000 in cash, a court has heard.

Alexander Isak shares emotional statement as family of 'professional burglars' who targeted his home are jailed

At least three dead and two missing after 'violent' thunderstorms trigger heavy flooding in French Riviera

At least three dead and two missing after 'violent' thunderstorms trigger heavy flooding in French Riviera

George Wendt

Tributes pour in after Cheers icon George Wendt, best known for his role as Norm Peterson, dies aged 76

A British Bulldog Sat on a Union Jack Rug

British bulldog considered a 'status symbol' as pet becomes Britain's most expensive dog breed

A spokesperson for the British actor said on Tuesday that the screen legend died from heart failure

Coronation Street and Doctor Who star Michael McStay dies aged 92

The Home Office UK Visas & Immigration Office at Lunar House in Croydon, London, UK.

Iraqi asylum seeker avoids deportation after asking for 'time to make up a reason' to stay

Sean 'Diddy' Combs is on trial for sex trafficking.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs 'threatened to release two sex tapes' of ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, trial hears

The foxes could be handed a points deduction if found guilty.

Leicester City face points deduction after fresh financial misconduct charges

Police were called to Ickenham Road, Ruislip, on May 3 to find the kittens cut open with ropes attached to them

Teens admit to torturing and killing kittens found hanged and mutilated in London

The superyacht's main boom and anchor have now been recovered from the seabed after the ship sank.

First pieces of tech tycoon Mike Lynch’s superyacht emerge from seabed after sinking tragedy

Kyra Hill, 11, drowned during a birthday party at a waterpark.

Father pays tribute to girl, 11, as inquest hears she was 'killed unlawfully' in waterpark party

Picture of Wolves striker Matheus Cunha

When does the transfer window open?

Loose Women will continue to air for one hour from 12.30pm, but again on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year

ITV axes Lorraine and Loose Women for half the year in major daytime schedule shake-up

The class action against Mastercard dates back to 2016

Millions of Brits set to receive £70 each as Mastercard ordered to pay compensation after legal battle

Sir Adrian Montague said he may have "misspoken" during an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) committee session with MPs last week.

Thames Water chief ‘may have misspoken’ after saying lenders of £3bn rescue fund ‘insisted’ bosses receive bonuses

Thousands of fans from both clubs are heading to Bilbao for Wednesday's all English showdown, which kicks off at 9pm local time

Man Utd and Spurs fans face eye-watering costs for Europa League Final - flights and hotels soar past £3,000