Scotland Advances Greyhound Racing Ban Amid Industry Opposition
Scotland Moves Toward Banning Greyhound Racing
The Scottish government is progressing with plans to ban greyhound racing, a move that has sparked concern within the industry. The proposed legislation, championed by Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell, aims to shut down what he describes as a gambling-driven sport that poses risks to animal welfare.
Animal Welfare Issues Highlighted by Supporters of the Ban
Mark Ruskell has been a persistent critic of greyhound racing, arguing for its end over several years. The key issue cited is the harm and danger the sport presents to the dogs. Advocates for the ban point to the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing Bill, which labels the sport unsafe due to the inability to ensure the dogs’ safety while they race at high speeds. This concern is supported by alarming statistics showing a significant number of deaths and injuries among racing greyhounds.
In 2023, data revealed that 109 greyhounds died on racing tracks, with over 4,200 more suffering injuries, ranging from minor to severe. These figures have amplified calls from animal rights groups and some government figures, including Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie, who has expressed backing for the ban.
Industry Pushback: Racing No Longer Takes Place in Scotland
The greyhound racing sector has dismissed the ban as unnecessary, highlighting that Scotland no longer hosts any active greyhound races. The last venue, Thornton Stadium in Kirkcaldy, closed its racing events earlier this year. Representatives from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain criticized the government’s focus on a sport that effectively no longer operates in Scotland.
Despite these objections, many proponents argue that a formal ban is essential to prevent the sport from resuming in the future. The Prohibition of Greyhound Racing Bill continues to progress toward further discussions in the Scottish Parliament.
Similar Moves Against Greyhound Racing Elsewhere
Scotland is not alone in confronting greyhound racing. In Wales, officials are also pushing to end the sport, even as the industry calls for enhanced regulations. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has challenged these efforts by seeking a judicial review of the Welsh government’s ban.
In the United States, the state of Oregon has officially outlawed greyhound racing, a decision hailed by advocates as a major win for animal welfare, following in the footsteps of Florida’s ban in 2018.
