An application for judicial review from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain’s (GBGB) was heard in Cardiff last week, with a judgement expected within weeks.
GBGB has accused the Welsh government of failing to carry out a consultation lawfully and hoped to have the ban ruled unlawful.
In advice to Rural Affairs Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies officials warned there was a “high risk” of a court challenge but said the legislation was “clear and proportionate and deliverable”.
Officials had recommended developing proposals for the licensing of owners, saying it offered “the best balance of welfare gains” for the dogs.
But Plaid Cymru’s Llyr Gruffydd said the legislation had been rushed and “doesn’t stop the breeding of greyhounds in Wales for racing. It doesn’t stop the training of greyhounds in Wales. For racing, dogs can still be kept in Wales, raced in England”.