Scottish Government backs ban on greyhound racing after policy reversal

• Scottish Government now supports Mark Ruskell’s bill to ban greyhound racing, reversing its previous position favouring regulation
• Agriculture Minister acknowledges genuine risks to greyhounds racing on oval tracks, supported by evidence
• Move aligns Scotland with Wales and New Zealand, which have announced similar bans on the gambling-driven sport

The Scottish Government has confirmed its support for legislation that would ban greyhound racing across Scotland, marking a significant policy shift from its previous stance favouring regulation over prohibition.

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie has written to Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell confirming government backing for his Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill.

The government initially indicated it was not convinced a ban was necessary, preferring instead to establish a licensing system with penalties for owners and trainers who violate animal welfare regulations. Fairlie’s letter acknowledged that there are “genuine risks associated with racing greyhounds around tracks of oval design and this is supported by evidence”.

Ruskell welcomed the government’s support, describing it as a significant milestone in protecting greyhounds from what he characterised as a gambling-driven industry with inherent welfare risks.

“I am delighted that the government is backing my bill. This is a big step towards ensuring that we protect our greyhounds and halt this cruel gambling-led sport for good,” Ruskell said.

The MSP stressed Scotland’s need to keep pace with international action, citing the Welsh Government’s April announcement to ban greyhound racing as soon as practicable and New Zealand’s similar moves.

“With Wales and New Zealand taking action, we can’t let Scotland fall behind the pack. If we are a nation of dog lovers then we need to back that up with words and deeds, and deliver real protections,” he added.

Ruskell drew on personal experience to illustrate the welfare concerns, revealing his own dog Bert is a former racing greyhound he rescued at around two years old after the animal had been abandoned with an untreated broken leg.

“He’s now 13 years old and a completely different dog who has brought such love into our family, but he should never have been put through trauma caused by racing to begin with,” Ruskell explained. “There is no safe way to force dogs to run around a curved track at 40 mph, and I look forward to working with the Scottish Government and MSPs from all parties to end it.”

Industry statistics underscore campaigners’ concerns about animal welfare. Data from 2023 showed 109 greyhounds died trackside across the UK, an increase from 2022, whilst 4,238 injuries were recorded. These ranged from minor grazes to serious injuries, including 108 long bone fractures.

Scotland currently has no active licensed greyhound racing following the indefinite suspension of operations at Thornton Stadium in Kirkcaldy in March. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain criticised the government’s focus on banning a sport no longer operating in Scotland.

The bill includes provisions allowing ministers to determine the commencement date rather than enforcing the current 12-month implementation period, alongside revisions to enforcement measures. With government backing secured, the legislation will progress through the Scottish Parliament for further scrutiny and amendments before a final vote.