It's time to finally end the misery of greyhound racing
Thankfully, greyhounds may soon get their second chance in Scotland. This week, following years of public outcry, a bill will be published to outlaw dog racing. Parliamentarians have before them the historic opportunity to make Scotland the first nation in the UK to say 'no more' to the confinement, injury and death, drugging and overbreeding endemic to the greyhound gambling industry.
Not only can Scotland open a new era in the UK, but it can also follow the lead of New Zealand, which has just announced the same policy. Outside of the UK there will remain just three countries where commercial dog racing takes place – Australia (64 tracks), Ireland (15), and the United States, with just two struggling tracks in operation. Even Vietnam and Mexico closed their last racing stadiums in 2023 and 2024. And most recently, the Welsh government announced it would prohibit dog racing as soon as practically possible, perhaps even before the Senedd elections next May.
The trend is truly with the greyhounds.
GREY2K USA Worldwide is the largest greyhound protection organisation in the world. We work nationally and internationally to pass stronger greyhound protection laws and end the cruelty of dog racing. We also promote the rescue and adoption of greyhounds across the globe. In our 24-year history we have helped close down more than 50 tracks across the United States and prevented the legalisation of greyhound gambling to countries such as South Africa, Jamaica, and the Philippines.
In 2018, we formed an international coalition to close the infamous Canidrome in China.
Will Scotland be next?
There is one last track in Scotland and a recent analysis by BiGGAR Economics shows that repurposing Thornton Stadium for housing would be of great benefit to the community. In fact, using the site in Thornton for housing could add capital stock to the tune of £5.9m in capital asset value in Fife. But without legislation, this track is free to continue hosting dangerous dog races, contributing next to nothing to the local economy. Worse, other tracks may spring up. It's time to stand up for the greyhounds and put an end to this disreputable pastime.
We are excited to be part of the fight here in Scotland to end the suffering of dogs. We urge policymakers to read the mood music around this dying industry and help Scottish hounds cross the happy finish line to freedom.
Christine A Dorchak is President, General Counsel and co-founder of GREY2K USA Worldwide
Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@theherald.co.uk
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