Latest news with #ProhibitionofGreyhoundRacing
Sunday Post
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Sunday Post
Animal welfare groups support MSP's greyhound racing ban Bill
Get a weekly round-up of stories from The Sunday Post: Thank you for signing up to our Sunday Post newsletter. Something went wrong - please try again later. Sign Up For decades, punters enjoyed a night out at the greyhound racing. At one time, tens of thousands congregated at tracks up and down the country. While interest has dwindled, for some it remains a quintessential British pastime. But could that be set to end? Last week, a bill was lodged at Holyrood proposing a ban on greyhound racing north of the border. Presented by Green MSP Mark Ruskell, the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill has received cross-party support, as well as backing from a coalition of nine animal welfare organisations known as Unbound The Greyhound. One of those groups, animal protection charity OneKind, says greyhound racing is a dying industry that has very little public support. © OneKind 'While the industry has spoken about improving welfare care, it's not happened,' said the charity's spokesperson, Eve Massie. 'Self-regulation by the industry has failed.' 'It's clear to us the support isn't there in Scotland. It's cruel and outdated.' Data from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) states there were 977 track fatalities between 2018 and 2023, while total injuries in that time amounted to 26,522. The Greyhound Racing (offences) Bill has been introduced in the Scottish Parliament. It's a landmark step for animal welfare – this Bill will make it a criminal offence to: -cause or permit a greyhound to run on an oval racetrack -operate a greyhound racing track in Scotland — Scottish SPCA 🐾 (@ScottishSPCA) April 24, 2025 The Welsh Government announced in February it would ban greyhound racing and campaigners in Scotland hope for the same here. But the industry may already be winding down, with Shawfield Stadium in Glasgow having failed to re-open after the pandemic, while Thornton in Kirkcaldy – an unlicensed track – has ceased racing at the moment. Owen Sharp, chief executive at Dogs Trust, said: 'While we worked closely with the greyhound industry for many years to try to improve welfare conditions for the dogs, progress has not been made quickly enough or on a big enough scale. 'It is simply not acceptable that in the UK over 2,700 greyhounds died or were put to sleep over the past six years, all in the name of entertainment.' © Jane Barlow/PA Wire But Mark Bird, chief executive of the GBGB, said the legislation presented last week is 'confused' and 'ill thought-out'. He added: 'Any ban would simply jeopardise the welfare of greyhounds. We have submitted considerable evidence to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee and have had positive meetings with them about the importance and effectiveness of strong regulation.' Rehomed dogs Here, we highlight three former racing greyhounds that suffered devastating injuries but have since been rehomed by Scots families. Kaas © Supplied Kaas was raced across the UK, including Glasgow's Shawfield Stadium. In 2018, following a jaw injury, Kaas' trainer took her to the vet to be euthanised, despite the injury being treatable. Her trainer claimed her kennel mate attacked her. However, a specialist vet concluded that Kaas' injury was caused by a direct blow to her jaw. The independent rehoming charity that saved Kaas covered the £8,000 surgery and dental treatment costs. Her trainer did not pay anything towards her treatment and was also disqualified for doping. Kaas and her kennel mate were discovered with drugs in their system just a few months apart. While the committee didn't think Kaas's drugging was deliberate, they concluded the drugging of her kennel mate had to be, and as it was the second instance in a matter of months he was reprimanded. Kaas originally came into Fiona and Scott Bradley's lives as a foster. The Glasgow couple have fostered 10 greyhounds and rehomed five in the past decade. When they saw Kaas comfort another of their rescues, Bambi, during fireworks they knew she was staying. Bambi has since sadly passed away, but Kaas has proved to be a wonderful foster sister to the many greyhounds that have lived with her on their way to a permanent home. She has also been a frequent blood donor, made friends with Biffy Clyro's Simon Neil and met metal band Pantera thanks to her dad's work as a merchandise manager in the music industry. Fiona said: 'Kaas has since retired as a blood donor after 21 donations, welcomed a new greyhound sister, Aggy, and has passed her assessment to become a therapet.' Joy © Supplied Joy was raced 60 times before she seriously injured herself during her final race, which cost her one of her legs. Her trainer was Rebecca Perkins, who was convicted of animal cruelty in 2023 following the discovery of 37 ill and emaciated greyhounds living in squalor at her property. Just two weeks after her surgery, Joy moved in with her foster mums, who soon decided she was there to stay. Her family, who live in Fife, describe her as being like a puppy – everything was new to her – and Joy was amazed and overwhelmed in equal measure. Initially, she was switched off and timid, but she is now playful and enjoys making both human and dog friends. Six-year-old Joy's owner, Katie Sibbald, said: 'She is full of fun and life, still coping well with being a tripawd, and she brings a smile to the face of everyone she meets.' Katie has fostered around 150 dogs and was the chair of the Scottish Greyhound Sanctuary for 10 years. She said the contrast in Joy, who won the Pawblic Vote at the 2023 Holyrood Dog of the Year, from when she arrived to just one month later speaks volumes for the breed's resilience. Sasha © Supplied Sasha suffered in her kennel after she broke her leg during her first trial race at West Lothian's former Armadale track. When her trainer took her to the vet two days later, Sasha's leg was so swollen and inflamed that it was impossible for the vet to assess the extent of her injuries. The trainer wanted to have Sasha euthanised – it was cheaper than the cost of treatment and rehoming – but the vet convinced the trainer to surrender her to a rescue charity. Sasha was taken in by Jacqueline Brown and her partner Scott in Fife. They had three other greyhounds before Sasha and have since fostered another four. While she now lives in a loving home, the injury has left Sasha with life-long challenges, and she still receives ongoing treatment. When charity Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation (Sage) officially formed in April 2019, Sasha became the face of its first campaign which sought to end greyhound racing in Scotland. Its petition has gone on to become the most signed in Scottish history. Sasha is also known to greet any nervous dog she encounters with a kiss on the nose and sticks by their side until they settle. Jaqueline, who is secretary of Sage, said: 'Sasha's wee face has turned so grey over the past couple of years but that's the only hint she's almost 11. She is as silly and playful as ever! 'Sadly, she lost her big brother Bertie in January, they were firm friends and it was clear she missed him. When an emergency foster place was needed shortly after this, Sasha offered to share her couch. Enter Katie, who had just turned five and needed love and attention. From the start, Sasha helped Katie settle and now they snuggle up together at night. Sasha is keeping her new sister!' Poor animals are persecuted © Supplied Vet and broadcaster Dr Marc Abraham has described greyhound racing as archaic and exploitative. The campaigner, who received an OBE for services to animal welfare in 2021, said the 'only sensible and empathetic thing to do is ban it'. Dr Abraham, who trained at Edinburgh University and is the ambassador of Edinburgh Dog And Cat Home, added: 'There's really no other way that's ethical, moral or responsible if you're supporting animal welfare. 'The industry is desperately trying to protect something they don't know how to survive without. When money is involved, that's the motive, but the evidence speaks for itself with the fatalities and injuries and unwillingness to treat injured dogs. There is also a guaranteed surplus of rescue dogs flooding that sector.' Dr Abraham is also the secretariat and co-founder of the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group at Westminster. He added: 'If it was popular pets like pugs or cockapoos, this would never happen, but somehow these poor greyhounds have ended up as a persecuted breed. It has to stop. 'People say greyhounds enjoy running, but it's not running around at free will. They're being forced to run around an oval track that puts abnormal forces on joints and where there are collisions. 'Scotland has a huge opportunity to put an end to this cruel industry.'
Scottish Sun
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Popular sport could be BANNED in Scotland after ‘milestone moment'
Read on to find out where Scotland's only dog track is located 'DYING INDUSTRY' Popular sport could be BANNED in Scotland after 'milestone moment' A 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. Advertisement 2 A bill to ban greyhound racing has been formally lodged at Holyrood Credit: AP 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 Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) 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 40 mph and it is totally wrong to make them do it in the name of profit.'' Advertisement 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.'' Scotland currently has one track, the Thornton greyhound track in Fife. Advertisement 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 Britain, said: "To be clear, there is no licensed greyhound racing taking place in Scotland today. Advertisement "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. 2 A popular sport could be banned in Scotland after a 'milestone moment' Credit: PA "It says more about Mark Ruskell's vested interests than the wellbeing of animals and any ban would simply jeopardise the welfare of greyhounds. Advertisement "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. Advertisement "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.''
STV News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- STV News
‘Milestone moment' for bid to ban greyhound racing in Scotland with Bill lodged
A 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. 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 Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) 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 40 mph 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.' Scotland currently has one track, the Thornton greyhound track in Fife. 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 Britain, 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.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
23-04-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Bid to ban greyhound racing in Scotland takes 'milestone' step
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 Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) 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 40 mph 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'. Read More It's time to finally end the misery of greyhound racing 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.' Scotland currently has one track, the Thornton greyhound track in Fife. 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 Britain, 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.'
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'.
