The Scottish authorities has formally confirmed its assist for laws that may outlaw greyhound racing, a transfer campaigners describe as historic for animal welfare. Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie conveyed the federal government’s place in a letter to Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell, noting that the dangers concerned in racing greyhounds on oval tracks are substantiated by proof. This marks a significant change, as ministers beforehand recommended a licensing framework might deal with welfare issues somewhat than a full prohibition.
Ruskell, who has lengthy advocated for the game’s abolition, welcomed the federal government’s determination. “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,” he stated.
Cross-Party Backing and Personal Motivation
Ruskell has secured cross-party assist for his proposal, which strengthens the chance of it turning into regulation. His dedication to pursue the ban was formed by his private expertise rescuing a greyhound named Bert. When adopted at round two years previous, Bert had a damaged leg that had by no means been correctly handled, having been forged apart as soon as he might not race. Now 13 years previous, Ruskell describes him as a remodeled pet however pressured that “he should never have been put through the trauma caused by racing to begin with.”
He has repeatedly pointed to Bert’s story for instance of the broader downside. “There are dogs like Bert all over Scotland and my bill will ensure that they are no longer being damaged and then discarded. There is no safe way to force dogs to run around a curved track at 40mph,” he stated.
Rising Calls for a Ban Across Nations
The initiative comes as different governments undertake related measures. In April, the Welsh authorities announced plans to prohibit greyhound racing, whereas New Zealand and the Australian state of Tasmania have additionally set bans in movement. Ruskell argued that Scotland mustn’t lag behind: “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.”
According to the RSPCA, solely 9 international locations worldwide nonetheless allow business greyhound racing, together with the 4 nations of the UK. Data from the UK Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) reveals the toll the game continues to take: in 2023 alone, 109 greyhounds died trackside and 4,238 sustained accidents throughout races. Since GBGB record-keeping started in 2017, virtually 4,000 canine have died and hundreds extra have been damage.
Animal Welfare Groups Applaud Move
Animal charities have hailed the Scottish authorities’s endorsement as a turning level. The Unbound the Greyhound coalition, representing 9 welfare organisations, stated it was the suitable step ahead. Eve Massie Bishop of OneKind acknowledged: “A nation that considers itself a leader in animal welfare must do better than to permit an industry that has cost the lives of 3,957 dogs since 2017. This isn’t ‘entertainment’, it’s cruelty. And Scots have spoken: cruelty has no place in our national identity.”
Other teams echoed that sentiment. Claire Calder of Dogs Trust described the transfer as lengthy overdue, saying it could stop pointless accidents and deaths. The Scottish SPCA additionally welcomed the invoice, calling it a “significant step forward” in animal welfare and pledging to assist take care of greyhounds at present caught up within the trade.
Pushback From the Racing Regulator
Not everybody has embraced the federal government’s stance. A spokesperson for the Greyhound Board of Great Britain criticised the transfer, declaring that no licensed tracks stay in operation in Scotland. Thornton Stadium in Fife, the final lively racing venue, ceased actions in March. The regulator argued that parliamentary time shouldn’t be spent on an exercise that has successfully disappeared, notably within the run-up to elections.
Nevertheless, campaigners insist that with out a authorized prohibition, greyhound racing might return. The proposed Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill would make it an offence to organise or host greyhound racing within the nation, closing the door on any future revival of the game.
Source:
“The Scottish government has given its backing to a ban on greyhound racing in Scotland“, bbc.com, September 7, 2024.
