Last lap for greyhound racing as ban consultation closes
Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell has thanked every dog lover who has filled in the consultation on his Member’s Bill to end greyhound racing ahead of it closing last night.
Almost 800 people took part in the consultation, their responses will now be analysed and used to inform the bill. [1] A further 9,500 have signed the Unbound the Greyhound pledge to support Mr Ruskell’s proposed bill. [2]
Mr Ruskell, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, has been working closely with animal welfare charities to expose the cruelty animals suffer and put an end to greyhound racing in Scotland for good.
Data showed a total of 22,284 injuries and 868 deaths in racing greyhounds between 2018 and 2022 at licensed race tracks across the UK. [3]
Mr Ruskell said: “This must be the last lap for greyhound racing. It’s a cruel gambling-led sport that shows a total disregard for the dogs who are forced to run around an oval track at 40 mph.
“I want to thank everyone who took the time to fill in my consultation. My team and I will analyse the responses to ensure that we have the strongest and most robust possible bill.
“The industry has completely failed to modernise or adapt, and it is the greyhounds who are paying the price. Hundreds of them die or suffer serious injury every year.
“I have met so many former racing dogs and have seen the terrible toll that it has had on them. That is why we have to put paws before profit and halt it for good.”