Former racing greyhounds with their owners and members from Unbound the Greyhound Coalition outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh ahead of a bill being officially lodged to ban greyhound racing in Scotland, April 23, 2025. Photo Credit: Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images
Animals ScotlandSay Goodbye to Cruel Dog Racing
The Scottish government is supporting a ban on greyhound racing, a landmark move to protect dogs from racing-related harm.
“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,” said MSP Mark Ruskell.
The ban was announced after cross-party support for the Greyhound Racing (Offences) Bill, introduced earlier this year. It aims to make racing at oval tracks illegal and protect dogs forced to run at high speeds. Scotland’s only track, Thornton Stadium, has already closed “until further notice.” Campaigners point out that the Unbound the Greyhound coalition has documented 3,957 dog deaths since 2017, highlighting why many believe regulation isn’t enough.
