MSPs back improved welfare measures over ban on greyhound racing

A Holyrood committee has called for higher welfare standards for greyhounds bred for racing in Scotland, rather than a complete ban.

In its interim report published on Thursday, the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee set out a number of recommendations to improve the lives of the dogs.

MSPs looked at the welfare of greyhounds bred for racing at regulated and independent tracks, from breeding and early life through the dogs’ racing years, including the risks of injury and fatality, and into retirement and rehoming.

There is currently only one operating track in Scotland at Thornton near Kirkcaldy, Fife, with another in the Shawfield area of Glasgow closed since the pandemic.

The committee put forward steps to improve animal welfare conditions associated with the breeding and transport of greyhounds from Ireland.

Its interim report suggests improving the ability to trace dogs through microchips, testing for performance-enhancing substances, robust inspection of kennels, and the collection of data on retired and rehomed greyhounds.

MSPs began investigating the practice after a petition by Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation called for a ban on greyhound racing.

The Scottish Government said in May that it is “not persuaded” by calls to ban the sport, with minister Jim Fairlie saying it would not be a “proportionate and fair response to the animal welfare concerns arising from the practice”.

Despite not being convinced of an outright ban, the minister said the Government was looking into the possibility of a licensing scheme, which could see animal welfare breaches result in a licence being revoked.

He later said that idea had been put on hold while a member’s Bill from Green MSP Mark Ruskell to ban the sport makes its way through Parliament.

The legislation is expected to be introduced in the first half of next year.

Committee convener Finlay Carson said: “We heard strong views from many individuals and organisations about the welfare of racing greyhounds, including over 1,000 responses to our call for views.

“The committee found this a challenging inquiry due to a lack of independent evidence on the animal welfare implications of greyhound racing.

“I believe that our recommendations in this interim report would lead to a positive change to the quality of life of greyhounds used for racing in Scotland.

“Along with the Scottish Government, the committee agrees it is right to wait for the introduction of Mark Ruskell’s member’s Bill to ban greyhound racing before giving further consideration to this issue.

“I thank the petitioner, Gill Docherty, for bringing this petition to the Parliament, and we have agreed to keep the petition open until the Parliament takes a view on the Bill.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.