Scottish Greens call for halt to greyhound racing
Greyhound racing is an unacceptably cruel sport that puts greyhounds at an unnecessary risk, according to the Scottish Greens, who have called for the sport to be banned.
This comes ahead of a Parliamentary debate at 12:45 this afternoon on unlicensed racing. The debate will be led by Mark Ruskell MSP, who has recently lodged a motion condemning the sport that has received crossparty support. [1]
There are no active licensed greyhound tracks in Scotland, with no races having taken place at the last licensed track, Shawfield stadium, since March 2020. Data released by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain regarding Shawfield reports 197 injuries to greyhounds and 15 deaths between 2017 and 2020;
There is one unlicensed track, Thornton Greyhound Stadium near Kirkcaldy. There are concerns that the implications for greyhounds could be worse with no vets on site and no obligations to meet the even weak welfare requirements set by industry.
Calls for a ban have been mounting in recent months with the SSPCA being joined by the Dogs Trust and Blue Cross in calling for a ban last week. The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission, which advises the government, has already called for a ban on unlicensed tracks.
Commenting ahead of the debate, Mark said:
“Greyhound racing is a cruel sport that has no place in a modern Scotland. Even on licensed tracks, the greyhounds are at risk of serious harm, injury and even death. The risks at unlicensed tracks may be even worse as there is far less oversight and far fewer obligations on the owners.
“The evidence is mounting across the UK of the need to tackle this exploitative industry. In Scotland, greyhound racing is on its last legs. With only one licensed track left. I am really pleased that my motion has received support from MSPs from all parties.
“The industry has shown that it is not capable of the serious reform that is needed. It's time for Scotland to take action by ending this brutal sport.”
Notes
[1] https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-05949