The Scottish government has proposed a potential ban on greyhound racing, following in the footsteps of Wales. The British gambling industry was left disheartened when Wales became the first UK country to announce such a ban back in February. Although this measure has not yet been implemented, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies reassured that it would be enforced “as soon as practically possible.” Now, Scotland appears to be considering a similar path, which, although largely symbolic, could signal another setback for the industry.
Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell has managed to garner cross-party support for his member’s bill aimed at banning greyhound racing. Currently, Scotland does not host any licensed greyhound racing events, as the last remaining track, Thornton Stadium in Kirkcaldy, ceased operations in March. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has thus downplayed the significance of a potential ban in Scotland, arguing that it holds “no relevance” due to the absence of active tracks. Nonetheless, this legislative push could add momentum to the global movement against the sport, joining similar efforts in New Zealand and Wales.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) notes that only nine countries still permit commercial greyhound racing, including the four UK nations: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy has stated that there are no current plans for a ban in England. However, as Wales and Scotland move toward prohibition, pressure might begin to mount on England to reconsider its stance.
Initially, the Scottish government was skeptical about the necessity of a ban, preferring a system of licensing that would penalize owners and trainers for breaching animal welfare standards. However, Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie, in correspondence with Ruskell, indicated that the government now supports the principles outlined in his bill.
Ruskell expressed his satisfaction, remarking, “This is a big step towards ensuring that we protect our greyhounds and halt this cruel gambling-led sport for good. With action being taken in Wales and New Zealand, we can’t let Scotland fall behind the pack.” As an advocate for animal welfare, Ruskell himself owns a retired racing greyhound, which he rescued at around two years old after the dog was abandoned with a poorly treated broken leg.
“There is no safe way to force dogs to run around a curved track at 40mph, and I look forward to working with the Scottish government and MSPs from all parties to end it,” he added.
The Unbound the Greyhound coalition, comprised of nine animal welfare groups, has also welcomed the Scottish government’s support for the bill. Eve Massie Bishop from OneKind commented, “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.”
Despite the growing support for a ban, there are those who argue that greyhound racing can be conducted humanely with the right regulations. Proponents of the sport suggest that an outright ban could hurt local economies and result in job losses for those working in the industry. They propose stricter regulations and enhanced welfare standards as better alternatives to an outright ban, arguing that it is possible to maintain the sport without compromising the well-being of the animals involved.
The debate over greyhound racing in Scotland is reflective of a broader discourse on balancing economic interests and animal welfare. As the Scottish government considers its next steps, the outcome could influence other regions facing similar debates. With the proposed ban gaining traction, stakeholders from both sides are preparing for further discussions on the future of greyhound racing in Scotland.
