Today, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) published its 2024 track injury data, revealing 3,809 injuries and 346 deaths.

Shockingly this also means, that since 2017, when GBGB death and injury records first began, 3,957 greyhounds have died in the UK’s licensed greyhound racing industry and 35,168 injuries have been recorded. 

The Unbound the Greyhound coalition of 9 animal welfare organisations has condemned the figures and is calling on the Scottish Government to support the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill that would ban greyhound racing in Scotland. 

OneKind’s Head of Campaign & Media, Eve Massie Bishop, speaking on behalf of the coalition, states: 

“When we look at these glaringly high statistics, it is so important to remember that we are talking about individual dogs here. Individuals with their own personalities, characteristics, and quirks. Individuals who deserved a better chance at life, with a forever home and loving family to call their own. 

“We know that greyhounds are incredibly sensitive and affectionate dogs. It’s just heartbreaking to think about the suffering they endure at the hands of the industry. 

“It is high time that greyhound racing became a thing of the past. It is completely unacceptable that an industry where dogs are routinely injured or killed is still legal in 2025.” 

On the current situation in Scotland, Eve continues: 

“Scotland's greyhound racing industry is on its last legs. Indeed, only one track remains, which has been inactive since March of this year. This is very welcome news, but it is also imperative that MSPs and the Scottish Government support the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill to ensure that the industry isn’t re-established further down the line. 

“But it's not just animal welfare charities backing the proposed ban. The Scottish public also want to see an end to this outdated industry. Recent polling commissioned by Unbound the Greyhound coalition member, GREY2K USA, revealed that 68% of Scots support an end to greyhound racing. The polling also revealed that most constituents in each of Scotland’s regions also support an end to the industry.  Almost 2,000 Scots have also now written to their MSPs urging them to support the Bill, and more than 5,500 people have written to the Minister. Mark Ruskell has our full support.” 

The figures have come just months after the Unbound the Greyhound coalition and their rescue greyhounds joined Mark Ruskell MSP outside the Scottish Parliament as he introduced the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill on 23rd April. That afternoon, the group also brought a few of the rescue greyhounds into Parliament to rally support amongst MSPs for the Bill. 

Notes to Editor 

1. The coalition includes OneKind, GREY2K USA Worldwide, Say No To Greyhound Racing in Scotland, Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation (SAGE), the League Against Cruel Sports, Hope Rescue, the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) and Animal Concern. 
2. GBGB’s recent injury and death data can be accessed here. 
3. Photos can be downloaded (please give credit to OneKind) here.  
4. Polling commissioned by Diffley Partnership on behalf of GREY2K USA can be viewed here. 
5. Unbound the Greyhound’s e-action directed to MSPs can be found here and e-action directed to the Minister here.