The Unbound the Greyhound coalition — formed of nine animal welfare organisations working together to ban greyhound racing in Scotland —  is today (18th March) celebrating as the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill is passed, making Scotland the latest country to ban greyhound racing.

The Bill, brought by Mark Ruskell MSP, was passed this evening following a debate at Holyrood.  It comes just a day after Wales also passed legislation to ban greyhound racing (17th March).  

OneKind Head of Campaigns and Media Eve Massie Bishop says: 

“This victory shows what can happen when a dedicated group of animal welfare organisations and passionate individuals stand together to demand better for Scotland’s greyhounds. We are very grateful to Mark Ruskell MSP, whose steadfast advocacy has made this historic moment possible. We also want to thank the Scottish Government for following the evidence and listening to public sentiment. 

“Today sends a powerful message: greyhounds are not commodities to be used for financial gain — they are individuals, and are beloved pet dogs, who deserve to be safe and loved.” 

“With today’s decision, Scotland has cemented its position as a leader in animal welfare.” 

Elisa Chiswell, Campaigner for League Against Cruel Sport said: 

"The League Against Cruel Sports welcomes the end of Greyhound racing in Scotland and this decisive step forward for animal welfare. This marks the last race for an industry built on suffering and we urge the rest of the UK to follow this example." 

 A spokesperson for Say  No To Greyhound Racing in Scotland said: 

“Since 2017, we’ve stood together as a grassroots group, fighting tirelessly and successfully to stop a new track at Wallyford in East Lothian and to secure a nationwide ban on greyhound racing in Scotland — groundbreaking legislation that marks a historic step forward for animal welfare.”  

President and General Counsel for GREY2K USA Worldwide, Christine Dorchak said: 

"On behalf of 300,000 greyhound advocates worldwide, we celebrate this historic moment for greyhounds. A strong signal has now been delivered to all racing countries that this outdated and unpopular activity cannot stand. The cruelty of greyhound racing has no place in modern society and thanks to MSPs, Scottish greyhounds will finally get the second chance they deserve." 

The Unbound the Greyhound coalition has campaigned tirelessly for years to secure an end to greyhound racing in Scotland. Its 2024 open letter to the Scottish Government, calling on the Government to end greyhound racing in Scotland, secured 22,655 signatures. The letter was endorsed by celebrities such as comedian and actor Ricky Gervais, historian and presenter/producer David Olusoga, and TV personality, Lucy Watson. 

The Unbound the Greyhound coalition is formed of: OneKind, Animal Concern, All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG), Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, GREY2K USA Worldwide, Hope Rescue, League Against Cruel Sports Scotland, Say No To Greyhound Racing in Scotland and Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation (SAGE). 

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Eve Massie Bishop - [email protected]

Notes to Editor

• Photos of our parliamentary photocalls with rescue greyhounds can be downloaded (please give credit to OneKind) here.
• The Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill can be seen here.
• You can learn more about the Unbound the Greyhound campaign here.
• The Unbound the Greyhound open letter to the Scottish Government can be downloaded here.