Scotland must end greyhound racing in 2025
Green MSP Mark Ruskell is urging the Scottish Government to do right by dogs this year by backing his Member’s Bill to end greyhound racing for good.
Mr Ruskell, who is a long term campaigner on the issue, has proposed the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill which introduces an offence of permitting a greyhound to compete at racetracks. This is to ensure that the welfare of these animals is protected and they receive the same care and consideration as other dog breeds.
He has received crossparty support to progress his Bill, but still awaits the support of the Scottish Government. Mr Ruskell has said 2025 must see the start of better days for dogs.
Mr Ruskell said:
“With countries across the globe ending greyhound racing, Scotland and the UK are outliers. We must do more to protect these gentle dogs from injury and death. The only way is by ending racing forever.
“This year Scotland has the chance to be a trailblazer for the wider UK, as we consider a phase out of greyhound racing when my Members Bill will be presented in Holyrood.
“We are a nation who prides ourselves on being at the forefront of progressive fundamental rights, and that should extend to our dogs too.
“There are increasing numbers of greyhound deaths at the trackside - the latest data from 2023 shows 109 greyhounds died and 4,238 were injured during racing. All of these deaths and injuries are utterly shameful, and completely avoidable.
“It is time to put paws ahead of profits in 2025. Gambling on the lives of dogs is cruel, outdated and never worth it, and I urge our government to back my Bill and give greyhounds a better life.”