MSPs urged to ‘act now’ to ban greyhound racing before election

A Green MSP has urged the Scottish Parliament to “act now” to ensure a ban on greyhound racing is brought in before next year’s Holyrood election.

A member’s Bill seeking to ban the sport is currently undergoing parliamentary scrutiny, having been introduced by Mark Ruskell earlier this year.

The legislation would make it an offence to operate a racing track for greyhounds, or for a dog owner to race their animal on one.

In September the Scottish Government confirmed its support for the Bill, with ministers saying there are “genuine risks” to dogs from the sport.

Green MSP Mr Ruskell said the sport is already outlawed in a number of countries, and that it leaves many greyhounds with “long-term injuries, anxiety or trauma”.

He also pointed out there is “strong” public support for a ban, saying polls show 68% of Scots are in favour of ending greyhound racing.

However the Mid Scotland and Fife MSP warned the “clock is ticking” on getting the Bill into law before the election, and he urged MSPs to ensure the opportunity to ban the sport is not lost.

Mr Ruskell said: “I am delighted that the Government is backing my Bill, but the parliamentary clock is ticking and we must act now to ensure greyhound racing becomes history.

“This Bill will close the door on the cruel sport for good and we must see it passed in this term of Parliament before it is lost after the election.”

He said Scotland is “one of only very few countries in the world” where greyhound racing is legal, but it has the chance to “join a growing group of nations who prioritise animal welfare”.

He went on: “Scotland is a country that leads by example in so many areas, and that must include ending outdated, harmful practices.

“The parliamentary will is there and the public support is overwhelming, so we must ensure this opportunity isn’t lost to outlaw this cruel sport.

“Of the greyhounds who survive, many leave racing with long-term injuries, anxiety or trauma.

“Thanks to rehabilitation and rehoming, they can finally enjoy a life of comfort and safety.”

The MSP, who had a former racing greyhound as a pet, added: “I have seen first-hand with our own late greyhound Bert just how crucial it is for these dogs to spend time in loving homes, not racetracks, so they can heal and simply be happy, well-loved family members.

“This Bill will see an end to greyhound racing for good. The time is now to put paws before profit.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We take the welfare of animals very seriously.

“After carefully considering the detail and implications of Mark Ruskell’s Bill to prohibit greyhound racing in Scotland, we will support the Bill in principle.

“We look forward to helping ensure the draft legislation receives due parliamentary scrutiny at stage one.”