The Unbound the Greyhound coalition - formed of nine animal welfare organisations working together to ban greyhound racing in Scotland - has today welcomed the Rural Affairs and Islands (RAI) Committee’s support of the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill, that would ban greyhound racing in Scotland. 

This morning, the RAI Committee published its Stage 1 report on the Bill, which confirmed that the Committee supports the general principles of the Bill. 

The Stage 1 debate on the Bill will take place on 29th of January. 

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

“The Committee’s backing brings Scotland another decisive step closer to ending greyhound racing for good. With the Scottish Government already supporting the Bill, we are hopeful that Parliament will now seize this opportunity to protect dogs from an industry that has caused them suffering for far too long.  

“We now look to MSPs to carry this compassion into the chamber next week and vote in favour of the Bill—bringing Scotland one step closer to ending greyhound racing once and for all and giving these gentle, sensitive animals the safe and dignified future that they deserve.” 

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

Notes to editor 

1. Photos of our parliamentary photocalls with rescue greyhounds can be downloaded (please give credit to OneKind) here.
2. You can read the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee’s Stage 1 report here.
3. You can learn more about the Unbound the Greyhound campaign here.
4. The proposed Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill can be seen here.