Ban greyhound racing in 2025, say Greens

The Scottish Greens have urged MSPs to ban greyhound racing this year.

Green MSP Mark Ruskell has secured enough support to introduce the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill, which will seek an outright ban of the sport north of the border.

There is currently only one greyhound racing site, in Thornton, Fife, that is active in Scotland.

Mr Ruskell called on fellow MSPs to back the plans, but the Bill could struggle for support after the Scottish Government said it is “not persuaded” of the need for a ban, and the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee recommended improved welfare measures.

Green MSP Mark Ruskell has proposed the Bill (Andrew Milligan/PA). PA Media

“With countries across the globe ending greyhound racing, Scotland and the UK are outliers,” Mr Ruskell said. “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 Member’s 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.”

Mr Ruskell went on to describe the 109 greyhound deaths in the UK in 2023 as “utterly shameful and completely avoidable”.

He added: “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“Gambling on the lives of dogs is cruel, outdated and never worth it, and I urge our Government to back my Bill and give greyhounds a better life.”