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Daily Record
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Greyhound racing ban bill to be lodged in Scottish Parliament in 'milestone moment'
MSPs have been asked to back a bill to end greyhound racing in Scotland. The bid to end greyhound racing in Scotland will reach a "milestone moment" as a Bill to ban the sport is formally lodged at Holyrood. Green MSP Mark Ruskell is proposing legislation which, if passed, would end what he says is a "cruel sport" that involves "too many dogs" being killed or badly injured. The proposed Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill would make it an offence to race greyhounds at tracks in Scotland. The closure of Shawfield Stadium in Rutherglen in 2020 means Thornton Stadium in Fife is now the last greyhound racing track in the country. Data from 2023 showed 109 greyhound died trackside in the UK, while a further 4238 dogs were injured. His member's Bill already has the support of animal welfare campaigners and now Mr Ruskell is calling on his fellow MSPs to get behind it. Speaking ahead of lodging the bill, the Green MSP - who has a former racing greyhound as a pet - said: "This is a milestone moment for my Bill and I am grateful to all of the MSPs and campaigners who have helped us to get to this stage. " Greyhound racing is a cruel sport that causes a huge amount of harm to dogs. Far too many have been killed or badly injured on the tracks. "There is no safe or humane way to force a group of dogs to run around an oval track at 40mph and it is totally wrong to make them do it in the name of profit." His Bill comes after the Welsh Government announced in February that greyhound racing will be banned there "as soon as practically possible". The Green MSP added: "With Wales taking action, Scotland is looking increasingly isolated in allowing this gambling -led spectacle to continue. "I hope that the Scottish Government and MSPs from all parties will support me, and that we can get my Bill over the line and end greyhound racing for good." A spokesperson for the Unbound the Greyhound coalition said the sport was a "dying industry where dogs are nothing more than commodities in a gambling-led pastime". The spokesperson said: "We wholeheartedly welcome the proposed Bill to end the exploitation of these gentle dogs. "The Scottish Parliament has a landmark opportunity to advance animal welfare and we urge parliamentarians to show compassion and support the Bill to end greyhound racing." Mark Bird, chief executive of the Greyhound Board of Great Britai n, said: "To be clear, there is no licensed greyhound racing taking place in Scotland today. As such, this is not a Bill which has any relevance to the people of Scotland - particularly when there are so many other pressing issues affecting their daily lives. "Unfortunately, this is a confused and ill thought-out piece of legislation with implications that go well beyond the remit of racing greyhounds in Scotland. It says more about Mark Ruskell's vested interests than the wellbeing of animals and any ban would simply jeopardise the welfare of greyhounds. "We have submitted considerable evidence to the RAI committee and have had positive meetings with them about the importance and effectiveness of strong regulation. We also provided significant evidence to Mr Ruskell's own consultation which he failed to reflect or consider. This Bill ignores the substantial evidence which proves the need for effective regulation to safeguard greyhound welfare. "Anyone in Scotland whose hospital appointment has been cancelled, or whose school standards have slipped, will wonder why on earth the Scottish Parliament is giving this any time when there are actual priorities for the country. The electorate will be confused and disgusted that parliamentary time is being given to this. "Mr Ruskell cites the dodgy backroom deal between the Welsh Government and the single Liberal Democrat Senedd Member to secure the passing of their Budget by agreeing to consider a ban on greyhound racing in Wales as if this was, in any way, something laudable. The significant criticism that this backroom deal received across the board demonstrates the folly of this kind of politics. "Fringe agendas should be left for the Edinburgh Festival - not facilitated by the Scottish Parliament." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The battle to ban greyhound racing in Scotland
Once a sport that packed out stadiums across the country, greyhound racing is facing extinction in Scotland. As the nation's last track shuts its door indefinitely, MSPs are considering a bill that would ban the sport for good. Campaigners are demanding Scotland follow Wales in committing to outlaw what they describe as outright animal cruelty. Trainers and owners insist their sport is a misunderstood hobby that prioritises the welfare of dogs. In recent years just one greyhound track in Scotland, Thornton Stadium in Kirkcaldy, has been staging races. It closed until further notice in March, citing difficulties with finding a betting partner and concerns about the proposed ban. The sport may appear to be dying out, but Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell is determined to keep it that way. He has lodged a members bill in parliament proposing a ban, though he is seemingly facing an uphill battle to win government support. According to the latest data from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), the sport's regulator, 109 greyhounds died trackside in the UK in 2023. A further 4,238 injuries were recorded. "These dogs deserve so much better," says Narisa Rojanamonthien, who adopted rescue dog Crafty in 2023. "They deserve a loving home." Like many greyhounds raised in racing kennels, Crafty has numbers tattooed on his inner ears, and has struggled to socialise with other dogs and humans. Lorraine Baker, who runs the Scottish Greyhound Sanctuary, says racing dogs are at risk of shattered legs and broken necks. One dog her organisation took in even had a parasitic brain worm. "The sooner the ban happens the better," she tells BBC Scotland News. Animal welfare charities have also raised concerns about owners euthanising dogs that are deemed unfit to race, whether due to age, injury or simply being deemed surplus to requirements. There were once more than 20 tracks in Scotland. But the sport has been in decline across the UK since the middle of the 20th century. Back then it used to attract punters by their thousands and generated huge revenues as a key part of Britain's gambling industry. In recent decades tracks were marketed to stag and hen parties, or as a fun office night out. There are fewer than 30 greyhound racers left in the country. Currently without a track, their sport's looming extinction could render moral arguments about a ban redundant. Gill Docherty, founder and trustee of campaign group Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation, has spent years protesting outside Thornton and other tracks. Her petition calling for the sport to be banned is the most signed in Scottish parliamentary history. She tells BBC Scotland News: "If there's not a legislative change yes Thornton might eventually die off, but we don't want to leave that door ajar for a resurgence if there became more interest in it in decades to come." James Shand, an owner and trainer from Cowdenbeath, has been racing greyhounds at Thornton for 40 years. With the track "highly unlikely" to re-open, he has just given up his last three dogs. He tells BBC Scotland News family circumstances mean he is unable to keep the greyhounds as pets. "My dogs were better fed than some of the bairns running in the streets," Mr Shand says. "That's what really annoys me about the people trying to ban greyhound racing." He says he has never put down a dog because it could no longer race, and insists he does not know a trainer who would do so. As his lifelong passion seemingly dies out in Scotland, Mr Shand is mournful over the dwindling community of trainers. "We never even got a last meeting," he says. "So there are boys you'll never ever see again." If passed, Ruskell's Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill would create an offence of permitting a greyhound to compete at racetracks in Scotland, with a maximum sentence of up to five years. The Green MSP tells BBC Scotland News: "From the dogs' point of view, it doesn't matter whether they're at Thornton or elsewhere in the UK. "They're still facing that inherent risk of being raced at speeds of up to 40mph. And that's where they can break their legs, that's where they can break their necks." He adds: "And these are just gentle creatures. We shouldn't be putting them under this kind of risk of racing. It's unacceptable." Paul Brignal has owned Thornton Stadium since 2002. He tells BBC Scotland he has hopes of racing dogs there again but will hold off on any decision until he sees the outcome of Ruskell's "outrageous" and "seriously flawed" bill. As it is not licenced by the GBGB, Thornton has not been compelled to keep a record of injuries and adhere to safety standards. Mr Brignal says he would be willing to comply with recommendations from a 2023 report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission if it means the track can stay open. That report called for the Thornton to record injuries and have a vet present at race meets. He says Thornton has kept track of serious injuries since 2022 - recording six in that time, including one dog who was put down after suffering a broken leg. Mr Brignal says: "I assure you it is safer for a greyhound to run around a prepared track than it is running around a park or golf course, where a rabbit hole or tree stump can cause a far more horrendous injury." But with his track closed for the foreseeable future and the pool of racing regulars shrinking, he says there is "very little possibility" of another track opening soon. "It would need a large investment for very little return," Mr Brignal says. "So when and if Thornton Stadium closes, then I would assume that greyhound racing in Scotland will end." Ruskell's has been backed by MSPs from all parties. The Scottish government, however, has said it is not "convinced" a ban is required. Ministers have said they would consider a licensing scheme instead, with owners and trainers penalised if they breach animal welfare standards. The UK government has "no plans" to introduce a ban in England. The sport may be on its last legs in Scotland, but those who wish to see it permanently banned are not nearly ready to give up the chase. 'Greyhound racing cost my pet its leg - I back the ban' Greyhound racing 'outdated and cruel' New greyhound track set for late autumn opening
BBC News
22-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
The battle to ban greyhound racing in Scotland
Once a sport that packed out stadiums across the country, greyhound racing is facing extinction in Scotland. As the nation's last track shuts its door indefinitely, MSPs are considering a bill that would ban the sport for good. Campaigners are demanding Scotland follow Wales in committing to outlaw what they describe as outright animal cruelty. Trainers and owners insist their sport is a misunderstood hobby that prioritises the welfare of dogs. In recent years just one greyhound track in Scotland, Thornton Stadium in Kirkcaldy, has been staging closed until further notice in March, citing difficulties with finding a betting partner and concerns about the proposed ban. The sport may appear to be dying out, but Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell is determined to keep it that way. He has lodged a members bill in parliament proposing a ban, though he is seemingly facing an uphill battle to win government support. According to the latest data from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), the sport's regulator, 109 greyhounds died trackside in the UK in 2023. A further 4,238 injuries were recorded. "These dogs deserve so much better," says Narisa Rojanamonthien, who adopted rescue dog Crafty in 2023. "They deserve a loving home." Like many greyhounds raised in racing kennels, Crafty has numbers tattooed on his inner ears, and has struggled to socialise with other dogs and Baker, who runs the Scottish Greyhound Sanctuary, says racing dogs are at risk of shattered legs and broken necks. One dog her organisation took in even had a parasitic brain worm. "The sooner the ban happens the better," she tells BBC Scotland News. Animal welfare charities have also raised concerns about owners euthanising dogs that are deemed unfit to race, whether due to age, injury or simply being deemed surplus to requirements. There were once more than 20 tracks in Scotland. But the sport has been in decline across the UK since the middle of the 20th century. Back then it used to attract punters by their thousands and generated huge revenues as a key part of Britain's gambling industry. In recent decades tracks were marketed to stag and hen parties, or as a fun office night out. 'Resurgence' fears There are fewer than 30 greyhound racers left in the country. Currently without a track, their sport's looming extinction could render moral arguments about a ban redundant. Gill Docherty, founder and trustee of campaign group Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation, has spent years protesting outside Thornton and other tracks. Her petition calling for the sport to be banned is the most signed in Scottish parliamentary history. She tells BBC Scotland News: "If there's not a legislative change yes Thornton might eventually die off, but we don't want to leave that door ajar for a resurgence if there became more interest in it in decades to come." James Shand, an owner and trainer from Cowdenbeath, has been racing greyhounds at Thornton for 40 the track "highly unlikely" to re-open, he has just given up his last three dogs. He tells BBC Scotland News family circumstances mean he is unable to keep the greyhounds as pets."My dogs were better fed than some of the bairns running in the streets," Mr Shand says."That's what really annoys me about the people trying to ban greyhound racing."He says he has never put down a dog because it could no longer race, and insists he does not know a trainer who would do so. As his lifelong passion seemingly dies out in Scotland, Mr Shand is mournful over the dwindling community of trainers. "We never even got a last meeting," he says. "So there are boys you'll never ever see again." If passed, Ruskell's Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill would create an offence of permitting a greyhound to compete at racetracks in Scotland, with a maximum sentence of up to five Green MSP tells BBC Scotland News: "From the dogs' point of view, it doesn't matter whether they're at Thornton or elsewhere in the UK."They're still facing that inherent risk of being raced at speeds of up to 40mph. And that's where they can break their legs, that's where they can break their necks."He adds: "And these are just gentle creatures. We shouldn't be putting them under this kind of risk of racing. It's unacceptable." 'Outrageous' bill Paul Brignal has owned Thornton Stadium since tells BBC Scotland he has hopes of racing dogs there again but will hold off on any decision until he sees the outcome of Ruskell's "outrageous" and "seriously flawed" it is not licenced by the GBGB, Thornton has not been compelled to keep a record of injuries and adhere to safety standards. Mr Brignal says he would be willing to comply with recommendations from a 2023 report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission if it means the track can stay open. That report called for the Thornton to record injuries and have a vet present at race says Thornton has kept track of serious injuries since 2022 - recording six in that time, including one dog who was put down after suffering a broken leg. Mr Brignal says: "I assure you it is safer for a greyhound to run around a prepared track than it is running around a park or golf course, where a rabbit hole or tree stump can cause a far more horrendous injury."But with his track closed for the foreseeable future and the pool of racing regulars shrinking, he says there is "very little possibility" of another track opening soon. "It would need a large investment for very little return," Mr Brignal says. "So when and if Thornton Stadium closes, then I would assume that greyhound racing in Scotland will end."Ruskell's has been backed by MSPs from all parties. The Scottish government, however, has said it is not "convinced" a ban is have said they would consider a licensing scheme instead, with owners and trainers penalised if they breach animal welfare standards. The UK government has "no plans" to introduce a ban in sport may be on its last legs in Scotland, but those who wish to see it permanently banned are not nearly ready to give up the chase.
BBC News
13-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Wolverhampton's new greyhound track set for late autumn opening
Work has started on a greyhound racing facility at Wolverhampton Racecourse, to sit alongside the site's horseracing new amenity at Dunstall Park, which will include a track and kennels, was given planning permission in kennels were under construction and set to be finished by mid-May, with work then beginning on the track, site owners confirmed fixtures currently held at Perry Barr Greyhound stadium would transfer over before the track opened in late autumn, with all staff offered jobs at the new site. The new track will sit inside the horseracing venue, with up to 25,000 spectators able to watch races from the main Evans, regional general manager at site owners Arena Racing Company (ARC), said he hoped basing it in an established venue would "promote the sport to new audiences"."Although we don't have a definitive opening date, it is our intention to be fully operational by late autumn where our present operation at Perry Barr Stadium in Birmingham will be moved," he which also operates the Perry Barr stadium, said it intended to "offer roles to all members of staff" ahead of the site's closure, although no final fixture date had been set."Delivering a seamless transition to our racing operation from Perry Barr to Dunstall Park is a number one priority," Mr Evans added. The new track is set to host "high-profile competitions" and classic events such as the St Leger and the Oaks, which have been run since the 1920s, operators facility will meet "stringent standards" set by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), they added."At the heart of this development is our commitment to greyhound welfare and homing, by working closely with our homing partners to ensure all greyhounds can enjoy a happy, healthy retirement when their racing careers end," Mr Evans said.
The Guardian
13-03-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Final bend in sight as proposed ban threatens Wales's last greyhound track
Just after 3pm on a Wednesday covered in spring sunshine and the hare is running at Wales's last greyhound track. Nestled between the Rhymney River and the A469 at Ystrad Mynach, four miles from the historic town of Caerphilly, a small but loyal band of followers have made their way to the Valley Greyhound Stadium for racing woven into Wales's sporting fabric. Greyhound racing made its debut in Wales on 7 April 1928 – two years after the first recorded UK race at Belle Vue in Manchester – and 25,000 were soon watching dogs run at the Welsh White City Stadium in Cardiff. Mick The Miller, arguably the most famous greyhound in the history of the sport, set a world record of 29.55 seconds for the standard distance of 525 yards when winning the 1930 Welsh Greyhound Derby. Racing was held at Cardiff Arms Park from 1945, but ended in 1977 because the Welsh Rugby Union needed the track to extend terracing at the national stadium. Tracks elsewhere have come and gone and the Rhymney Valley circuit is the last one standing. But is the final bend now approaching after Welsh government proposals to ban greyhound racing, which has been criticised for harming dogs, 'as soon as practically possible'? Deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies said it is not 'impossible' it could become law before the next Welsh parliament election in May 2026. The UK culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, responded by saying there are 'absolutely no plans' to extend a greyhound racing ban to the rest of the United Kingdom. 'Disgraceful,' said octogenarian fan David Langford, briefly breaking from studying a programme detailing 11 midweek races at Ystrad Mynach, of the proposed ban. 'I've been watching and had dogs for 65 years. It's just a brilliant sport. What else would I do? I'm 82 and the next stop for me is up in heaven.' The Wales ban follows cross-party calls to outlaw greyhound racing, government consultation and a petition attracting 35,000 signatures. Racing enthusiasts say many of those names are from outside Wales, but animal welfare charities have welcomed the news of a potential ban. Racetrack manager Malcolm Tams said: 'We received a licence from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain in 2023 and had to meet certain conditions. 'Air-conditioned kennels, a vet on site who checks the dogs before they race, extra security with cameras everywhere. We've spent a fortune here.' Essex businessman Dave Barclay, owner of the Valley Greyhound Stadium since November 2021, is understood to be taking legal advice since the ban was proposed. Ending racing in Wales would leave 18 greyhounds tracks in the UK, after the closure of Crayford in January, and a hole in the local economy with 30 jobs lost. Mike Burton played international rugby for England and the British and Irish Lions and is now a successful greyhound trainer. Burton, 79, said: 'I come to Wales because they are good people, they are all grafters and love the sport. 'Other tracks wanted me associated with them but when I've got a dog running it says: 'Michael Burton, The Valley.' I'm very proud of that.'
