Bill to ban greyhound racing introduced to Parliament 23-04-25

The Unbound the Greyhound coalition were thrilled today to join Mark Ruskell MSP as he introduced the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill, which would ban greyhound racing in Scotland, to the Scottish Parliament.  

Greyhounds at demonstration outside Scottish Parliament

Alongside nine greyhounds rescued from the racing industry, we took to Parliament to demonstrate the strong public support for a ban.  

Recent polling undertaken by coalition member GREY2K USA revealed that 68% of Scots support an end to greyhound racing in Scotland. We displayed this strong stat as a backdrop at the photocall. 

Take action (Scotland-based)   Take action (outside of Scotland) 

A greyhound standing at a demonstration at Scottish Parliament.

What happens next?

Now the Bill has been introduced, it will go to a lead committee, likely the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, to examine the bill in detail.  

The committee will hear from experts, organisations, and the public to understand what the bill would do. After gathering all this information, they write a report with their opinion on the bill and usually recommend whether Parliament should support it. This is Stage 1 of the process and can take a few months. 

Next, Parliament will debate the bill and decide whether it should progress through Parliament or be rejected. 

Take action for greyhounds 

So many incredible people, globally, have continuously demonstrated the significant public demand for an end to greyhound racing since we launched the Unbound the Greyhound coalition campaign in 2023.  

And now is our chance to secure an end to this cruel ‘sport’ once and for all. 

By writing to your MSP or, if you are not based in Scotland, to the First Minister, you can help to push for a ban on greyhound racing in Scotland.  

The pre-written, though customisable, email action emphasises the organisational, expert and public support for a ban and urges the recipients to support the  Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill. 

Take action (for those based in Scotland)


Your MSP represents you in the Scottish Parliament. So, it’s crucial to let them know how important this issue is to you.

If you have a personal connection to the issue, i.e. you have rescued greyhounds or you volunteer for rehoming charities, let them know.

Take action (for supporters outside Scotland)


Even if you're not in Scotland, your support is still crucial. By writing to the First Minister, you’ll apply pressure onto the Government on a global level. You can also help create a ripple effect that encourages other regions to consider similar measures.

The tide is turning. Both Wales and New Zealand have recently announced commitments to ban greyhound racing.

Let’s make sure Scotland is next to put greyhound racing out of its misery. 

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Author: Eve Massie Bishop - Head of Campaigns & Media

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