We are calling on the organisers of Barry Pride to reconsider and reverse their decision to ban dogs from Barry Pride.

Across Wales, Pride events are widely accessible to dog owners and have successfully welcomed people attending with their pets. In 2026, at least 20 Pride events took place across Wales, and Barry Pride was the only one to have a dog ban.

Dog friendly events in Wales:

Barry Pride — NO

Pride Cymru — YES

Bridgend Pride — YES

Swansea Pride — YES

Newport Pride — YES

Pride Caerffili — YES

RCT Pride — YES

Pride Wrecsam — YES

Torfaen Pride — YES

Monmouth Pride — YES

Prestatyn Pride — YES

Pontardawe Pride — YES

Abergavenny Pride — YES

Cowbridge Pride Parade — YES

Caldicot Pride — YES

North Wales Pride — YES

Brecon Pride — YES

NPT Pride — YES

Machynlleth Pride — YES

Aberystwyth Pride — YES

This pattern shows that inclusive dog-friendly policies are already successfully implemented across Wales without compromising safety, accessibility or inclusion.

Many community members consider their dogs as integral members of their family and part of their lived experience of attending community events. Allowing well-behaved dogs on leads supports inclusivity, accessibility, and participation, while aligning Barry Pride with established practice across Wales.

We are asking Barry Pride to review its policy and work with attendees to create a safe, inclusive solution that allows responsible dog participation in future events.

We also recognise that the dog ban was introduced following a risk assessment carried out by the event management company responsible for the day. We fully support the need for proper risk assessments at public events. However, we are asking for clarity on the specific risks identified and whether proportionate mitigation measures (such as leads-only rules, steward guidance, or restricted areas) were properly considered as alternatives to a full ban.

Across Wales, most Pride events successfully allow dogs under controlled conditions. This suggests that a ban is not be the only workable outcome, and that a more balanced approach is achievable.