MSPs urged to end ‘cruel’ greyhound racing ahead of final vote on ban

MSPs have been urged to end the “cruel sport” of greyhound racing as a final vote on legislation approaches.

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 Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill would ban greyhound racing, effectively shuttering the only remaining track in Scotland at Thornton in Fife, where there has been sporadic racing taking place in recent years.

Mr Ruskell said: “Greyhound racing is a cruel sport that has a terrible impact on the dogs who are risking their lives by being forced to run at such dangerous speeds.

“My greyhound Bert was a racing dog and carried hurt and trauma from racing throughout his life. No dog should have to endure that, MSPs have the power to finally end the suffering.”

Greyhound Board of Great Britain data from 2023 showed that 109 greyhounds died trackside in the UK, an increase on the number for 2022.

There were 4,238 injuries to greyhounds during racing in 2023.

Mr Ruskell said: “Scotland is one of few countries that still allows racing. We need to leave it in the past where it belongs.

“It’s been a long journey to get here and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of charities, campaigners and greyhound owners across Scotland and beyond.

“I hope that our parliament will unite in putting animal welfare ahead of gambling company profits by ending greyhound racing for good.”