Scotland Advocates for Prohibiting Canine Racing
In a significant development, greyhound racing in Scotland is edging closer to a ban, with the Scottish Parliament considering a bill that, if passed, would make it illegal to permit greyhounds to race at racetracks in the country. The Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill, which has cross-party support, treats greyhound racing offences with the same seriousness as Scotland's Animal Health and Welfare Act, potentially resulting in large fines, imprisonment, animal seizures, and bans on animal ownership or work.
The last operational track, Thornton Stadium in Fife, closed indefinitely in March 2025. The bill, currently progressing through parliament, is expected to lead to an official ban on greyhound racing in Scotland post-2025 recess. This move would make Scotland the first country in the United Kingdom to outlaw the sport.
While Scotland moves towards a ban, Wales has announced its intention to phase out greyhound racing, and a coalition of animal rescue organizations has formed the Welsh Greyhound Partnership to provide care for dogs leaving the industry as it winds down. In contrast, England maintains its support for greyhound racing, with the UK Government having "absolutely no plans" to end the sport in England.
Internationally, Ireland continues to allow greyhound racing, despite growing public opposition and calls for bans on bloodsports. Public opinion polls show strong support for bans, but no official ban is in place yet.
The proposed ban in Scotland comes amidst growing concerns about the welfare of greyhounds involved in racing. Animal welfare organizations agree that the only possible consequence is an immediate ban on greyhound racing throughout Scotland, as the industry exploits animals and neglects their well-being.
In addition to the lack of regulation, greyhound racing is also known for its widespread use of illegal substances on animals. Cocaine has been a persistent problem, with thirteen positive results between 2018 and 2019 at regulated racetracks in the UK, including five cases at Shawfield Stadium in Scotland.
Unregulated races, such as those at the Thornton Stadium in Fife, do not have controls and are not documented, leading to a high number of injuries and deaths among the dogs. There were 197 injuries and 15 deaths at licensed racetracks in the UK between 2017 and 2020, according to the Greyhound Board of Great Britain. The situation in Thornton is particularly urgent due to the high number of older, vulnerable greyhounds that are prone to injuries and lack veterinary care.
As the debate over greyhound racing continues, it is clear that concerns about animal welfare and the use of illegal substances are driving calls for change. The proposed ban in Scotland, if passed, would mark a significant step forward in protecting the well-being of greyhounds involved in racing.
| Region | Greyhound Racing Status in 2025 | Notes | |--------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Scotland | Proposed legal ban; last track closed; bill progressing| Expected ban implementation post-2025 recess | | Wales | Official intention to phase out; supportive rescue coalitions | Phasing out industry and caring for retired dogs | | England | No plans to ban; legal and operational | UK Govt supports continuation | | Ireland | Legal but public support rising for bans | Campaigns ongoing, no ban yet |
"What about sports in Scotland? It seems that Scotland is moving towards a ban on greyhound racing, making it the first country in the UK to do so."
"In contrast, while animal welfare organizations in Scotland push for an immediate ban on greyhound racing, England maintains its support for the sport, with no plans to end greyhound racing in England."
