Scotland must follow New Zealand in ending greyhound racing
Green MSP Mark Ruskell has urged the Scottish Government to take inspiration from New Zealand by backing his Member’s Bill to end greyhound racing for good.
Mr Ruskell’s proposed Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill seeks to promote the welfare of the animals by introducing an offence of permitting a greyhound to compete at racetracks in Scotland.
Mr Ruskell has received crossparty support to progress his Bill, but it is yet to secure the support of the Scottish Government.
This week the New Zealand government announced that it would be winding down the industry over the next 20 months due to animal welfare concerns.
Mr Ruskell said:
“I'm delighted New Zealand has become the latest country to begin phasing out greyhound racing. The reality is that Scotland and the UK are international outliers by allowing this cruel gambling-led sport to still take place
“Scotland has the opportunity to join New Zealand and most of the world in protecting these gentle dogs from injury and death by ending racing for good.
“Next year Scotland will become the first country in the UK to consider a phase out, when my Members Bill will be presented at Holyrood. It could have a major knock on effect, leading to an end to greyhound racing across the UK.
“At a time when racing industry figures show increasing numbers of greyhound deaths at the trackside, it can't come too soon. It’s time for us to join countries around the world in putting the wellbeing of these wonderful dogs ahead of gambling company profits.”
Data from 2023 showed that 109 greyhounds died trackside in the UK, an increase on the number for 2022. A further 4,238 greyhounds were injured during racing in 2023.
Mr Ruskell has been a long term campaigner on the issue and worked closely with animal welfare charities including the Scottish SPCA, Dogs Trust, One Kind and others.