MSPs have backed a ban on greyhound racing in Scotland at its first parliamentary stage.
Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell proposed the move in a Member’s Bill, which was supported by 69 votes to 27 at stage one on Thursday.
If passed, the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill will ban greyhound racing, effectively shuttering the only remaining track in Scotland at Thornton in Fife, where there has been sporadic racing taking place in recent years.
Speaking in Holyrood on Thursday, Mr Ruskell said: “It is clear that greyhound racing is no longer welcome in Scotland.
“Polling shows 68% of Scots back the ban.”
The risk of injury and death to the dogs, the MSP said, “is embedded into the design of greyhound racing”.
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Addressing the need for the ban given the lack of activity at tracks in Scotland, Mr Ruskell said: “If this Bill doesn’t pass, there is nothing to prevent greyhound racing restarting, putting more greyhounds at significant risk of injury and death.”
He added: “Whether it’s one or 100 greyhounds, this unnecessary harm should not be allowed to happen.
“Only by ending greyhound racing permanently can we ensure this suffering ends.”
The Bill was supported at stage one by the Scottish Government, who had previously said there was no clear evidence for bringing in a ban.
Speaking on Thursday, rural affairs minister Jim Fairlie said: “We recognise that the Bill addresses legitimate welfare concerns, which in practice will affect only a very small number of individuals and animals, given the current minimal activity at Thornton.”
In response to the announcement, Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said: “Today’s vote at Holyrood to move the Greyhound Racing (Offences) Scotland Bill to the next stage of Parliament is a crucial step forward for animal welfare.
“Each year, hundreds of dogs die or are seriously injured, all in the name of entertainment, and this is completely unacceptable. Off the track, many of the dogs involved are forced to live in poor conditions. We are therefore pleased the Scottish Parliament has shown it is ready and willing to take decisive action to prevent further deaths and injuries.
“With both Scotland and Wales moving closer to ending greyhound racing, it’s time for the rest of the UK to follow suit and put a stop to this cruel form of entertainment once and for all.
“Dogs Trust, along with other animal welfare charities working across Scotland, is committed to working together to take in greyhounds involved in the industry should a phased end be introduced.”
