The Scottish government has formally confirmed its support for legislation that would outlaw greyhound racing, a move campaigners describe as historic for animal welfare. Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie conveyed the government’s position in a letter to Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell, noting that the risks involved in racing greyhounds on oval tracks are substantiated by evidence. This marks a major change, as ministers previously suggested a licensing framework could address welfare concerns rather than a full prohibition.
Ruskell, who has long advocated for the sport’s abolition, welcomed the government’s decision. “I am delighted that the government is backing my bill. This is a big step towards ensuring that we protect our greyhounds and halt this cruel gambling-led sport for good,” he said.
Cross-Party Backing and Personal Motivation
Ruskell has secured cross-party support for his proposal, which strengthens the likelihood of it becoming law. His determination to pursue the ban was shaped by his personal experience rescuing a greyhound named Bert. When adopted at around two years old, Bert had a broken leg that had never been properly treated, having been cast aside once he could no longer race. Now 13 years old, Ruskell describes him as a transformed pet but stressed that “he should never have been put through the trauma caused by racing to begin with.”
He has repeatedly pointed to Bert’s story as an example of the wider problem. “There are dogs like Bert all over Scotland and my bill will ensure that they are no longer being damaged and then discarded. There is no safe way to force dogs to run around a curved track at 40mph,” he said.
Rising Calls for a Ban Across Nations
The initiative comes as other governments adopt similar measures. In April, the Welsh government announced plans to prohibit greyhound racing, while New Zealand and the Australian state of Tasmania have also set bans in motion. Ruskell argued that Scotland should not lag behind: “With Wales and New Zealand taking action, we can’t let Scotland fall behind the pack. If we are a nation of dog lovers then we need to back that up with words and deeds, and deliver real protections.”
According to the RSPCA, only nine countries worldwide still permit commercial greyhound racing, including the four nations of the UK. Data from the UK Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) reveals the toll the sport continues to take: in 2023 alone, 109 greyhounds died trackside and 4,238 sustained injuries during races. Since GBGB record-keeping began in 2017, almost 4,000 dogs have died and thousands more have been hurt.
Animal Welfare Groups Applaud Move
Animal charities have hailed the Scottish government’s endorsement as a turning point. The Unbound the Greyhound coalition, representing nine welfare organisations, said it was the right step forward. Eve Massie Bishop of OneKind stated: “A nation that considers itself a leader in animal welfare must do better than to permit an industry that has cost the lives of 3,957 dogs since 2017. This isn’t ‘entertainment’, it’s cruelty. And Scots have spoken: cruelty has no place in our national identity.”
Other groups echoed that sentiment. Claire Calder of Dogs Trust described the move as long overdue, saying it would prevent unnecessary injuries and deaths. The Scottish SPCA also welcomed the bill, calling it a “significant step forward” in animal welfare and pledging to help care for greyhounds currently caught up in the industry.
Pushback From the Racing Regulator
Not everyone has embraced the government’s stance. A spokesperson for the Greyhound Board of Great Britain criticised the move, pointing out that no licensed tracks remain in operation in Scotland. Thornton Stadium in Fife, the last active racing venue, ceased activities in March. The regulator argued that parliamentary time should not be spent on an activity that has effectively disappeared, particularly in the run-up to elections.
Nevertheless, campaigners insist that without a legal prohibition, greyhound racing could return. The proposed Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill would make it an offence to organise or host greyhound racing in the country, closing the door on any future revival of the sport.
Source:
“The Scottish government has given its backing to a ban on greyhound racing in Scotland“, bbc.com, September 7, 2024.