The Unbound the Greyhound coalition — formed of nine animal welfare organisations working together to ban greyhound racing in Scotland — has welcomed today's Stage 1 vote in support of the general principles of the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill.  

The Bill, introduced by Mark Ruskell MSP, seeks to ban greyhound racing in Scotland. MSPs raised serious concerns about the number of dogs that have died in the licensed greyhound racing industry (3,957 since 2017), injuries sustained by raced greyhounds and the lifelong physical and psychological challenges many rehomed greyhounds face. 

The Unbound the Greyhound coalition has spent years campaigning for this change, with more than 2,000 of their supporters contacting their MSPs in recent weeks to urge them to back the Bill at Stage 1. 

Eve Massie Bishop, OneKind’s Head of Campaigns and Media speaking on behalf of the coalition says: 

“Today marks a significant step towards finally securing a ban on greyhound racing in Scotland.  

“For far too long, these gentle, sensitive dogs have suffered under a cruel and outdated industry. But Scots demanded better, and we’re grateful to the MSPs that recognised that such an industry doesn’t belong in a nation that claims to be a leader in animal welfare. 

“Today, Parliament has recognised that greyhounds aren’t commodities, but that they are the very same dogs that we share our homes and lives with. And just like all dogs, greyhounds deserve safe and loving homes where they are loved for who they are, rather than seen as a commodity for financial gain. Today’s decision brings that future for all greyhounds within reach.” 

The Bill will now move onto Stage 2 for detailed consideration and amendments in Committee and then return to the full Parliament for final amendments and approval.   

The Unbound the Greyhound 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, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) and Animal Concern. 

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Notes to Editor 

1. Stage 1 involves the Parliament agreeing to the general principles of a Bill; Stage 2 allows amendments to be considered by committee; Stage 3 is the final parliamentary stage before Royal Assent. If the Bill is passed at Stage 3, it will become law once it receives Royal Assent.
2. Photos of our parliamentary photocalls with rescue greyhounds can be downloaded (please give credit to OneKind) here.
3. You can learn more about the Unbound the Greyhound campaign here.
4. The Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill can be seen here.