Committee backs greyhound racing ban as members dissent

A Holyrood committee has backed the general principles of banning greyhound racing, but some members still feel a case has not been made.

The Parliament’s Rural Affairs and Islands Committee released its report on the legislation – proposed by Green MSP Mark Ruskell – on Thursday.

Convener Finlay Carson, deputy convener Beatrice Wishart and MSPs Tim Eagle and Rhoda Grant all voted against the committee’s support of the Bill.

If passed, the legislation would make greyhound racing illegal, effectively shuttering the only remaining track north of the border in Thornton, Fife – which has been used sporadically in recent years and is not regulated by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain.

Despite its support, the committee has asked for more information from the Scottish Government on why it has switched its positions.

Ministers had initially been sceptical of an outright ban, but shifted last year, saying in September the sport poses “genuine risks” to dogs.

Mr Carson said members of the committee had been concerned about “the lack of data for injuries, fatalities and associated risks at the independent track at Thornton”, adding: “We ask the Scottish Government to provide further information on the reasons for its support of the ban so that, as the Bill progresses through Parliament, members can be confident that a solid case has been made, based on transparent and clear evidence.”

Responding to the report, Mr Ruskell said: “I am delighted that the committee has supported the principles of my Bill and that we are closer to ending this cruel practice.

“There is no safe or humane way to force dogs to run around an oval track at top speed, and it is time to end it for good.

“I will work with MSPs from all parties to ensure that this is the most robust Bill it can be.

“I am looking forward to the stage one vote next week when I will put my case directly to the chamber and we can hopefully make another big step towards ending greyhound racing in Scotland.”

Eve Massie Bishop, the head of campaigns and media at animal charity OneKind, said: “With the Scottish Government already supporting the Bill, we are hopeful that Parliament will now seize this opportunity to protect dogs from an industry that has caused them suffering for far too long.

“We now look to MSPs to carry this compassion into the chamber next week and vote in favour of the Bill – bringing Scotland one step closer to ending greyhound racing once and for all and giving these gentle, sensitive animals the safe and dignified future that they deserve.”