MSPs urged to back greyhound racing ban and ‘put paws before profits’

MSPs are being urged to “put paws before profits” and back a Bill that aims to ban greyhound racing in Scotland when it faces a key vote in Holyrood.

Green MSP Mark Ruskell has brought forward legislation which, if passed, would make it an offence to operate a racing track for greyhounds, and for a dog owner to race their animal on one.

His Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill has already been backed by animal rights organisations.

It comes after the Welsh Government set out plans to end greyhound racing some time between 2027 and 2030.

But, speaking ahead of Thursday’s Holyrood vote on the general principles of the legislation, Mr Ruskell stressed the legislation needs to be passed before May’s Scottish election.

Urging fellow MSPs to get behind his Bill, Mr Ruskell said: “Time and again, greyhound racing has been linked to injuries, neglect and sometimes even the death of dogs once they are no longer profitable.

“My Bill would permanently close the door on greyhound racing in Scotland. It bans the operation of racing tracks and makes it clear that this outdated, cruel industry has no future here.

“Scotland has stood against animal harm in the past, it’s time we put paws before profits.”

He added: “While I am hopeful that the Scottish Government will back my Bill, the parliamentary clock is ticking to pass this crucial legislation before this year’s election in May.

“Unless MSPs want to see more suffering and mistreatment of these gentle dogs, they must vote for my Bill and ensure it passes before Parliament dissolves.”

The Green MSP continued: “I have seen first hand with my own late greyhound, Bert, how important it is for dogs to spend their lives in loving homes, not on racetracks. Every greyhound deserves a chance at a life outside of racing.

“I am urging my fellow MSPs to do the right thing by these dogs and join my efforts to ban greyhound racing for good.”

His comments came after a report from Holyrood’s Rural Affairs Committee, which has been scrutinising the proposed legislation, revealed some MSPs were not convinced the case has been made for a ban.

While a majority of the committee backed the general principles of the Bill, committee convener Finlay Carson said there were concerns about “the lack of data for injuries, fatalities and associated risks”.