A ban on greyhound racing in Scotland would not drive the sport underground due to the sheer size of the tracks, according to Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell. Ruskell, who has launched a consultation on his proposed member's Bill to outlaw the sport, argued that greyhound racing tracks are so large that they can be "seen from space." The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has suggested that a ban in Scotland would result in races taking place illegally and without regulation.
Currently, Scotland has only one operating track, the Thornton Stadium in Fife, which is not regulated by the GBGB. Ruskell was elected in this region. Ruskell, accompanied by a seven-year-old retired greyhound named Bluesy, launched the consultation at the Scottish Parliament, highlighting the welfare issues associated with greyhound racing. He emphasized that animal welfare charities support his call for a ban, citing the severe injuries that can occur due to the high speed of dog racing.
Between 2018 and 2021, according to the information presented by Scottish Greens, 17,930 injuries were recorded among registered greyhounds across the UK as well as 2,412 deaths. The work on the Bill is conducted in cooperation with a number of animal welfare charities, such as the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and One Kind.
While acknowledging that some greyhound racing trainers genuinely care for their dogs, Ruskell argued that passing the Bill would allow them to continue treating the greyhounds as pets. He emphasized that greyhound racing is primarily driven by gambling interests. When questioned about the potential for the sport to go underground, Ruskell dismissed the possibility, citing the large size of greyhound racing tracks, which would make underground operations impossible.
Ruskell intends to seek support from other MSPs before formally introducing his Bill to the Scottish Parliament. The consultation period for the proposed ban is open until May 1st.