The Scottish Government has reversed its previous position and announced it will support legislation to ban greyhound racing in Scotland, marking a significant victory for animal welfare campaigners who have long argued the sport poses inherent risks to dogs.
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie confirmed in a letter to Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell that the government “acknowledges that there are genuine risks associated with racing greyhounds around tracks of oval design” and that “this is supported by evidence”. The minister stated that oval tracks “inevitably cause racing greyhounds to bunch together in the tight turns,” which can lead to collisions and increase the risk of serious injuries.
The announcement represents a complete reversal from the government’s stance as recently as 2024, when ministers indicated they were “not convinced” that a ban was necessary and were considering a licensing scheme instead. Fairlie’s letter marks the first time the Scottish Government has formally backed the Greyhound Racing (Offences) Scotland Bill, which was introduced to parliament in April by Ruskell.
Industry Under Pressure Amid Rising Death Tolls
The decision comes as new industry data reveals a troubling increase in greyhound deaths at UK racetracks. According to the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), 123 greyhounds died trackside in 2024 – the highest number since 2020 – with a total of 346 racing-related deaths and 3,809 injuries recorded across the sport.
Since GBGB began releasing annual statistics in 2017, 1,357 greyhounds have died trackside from racing, while more than 35,000 have sustained injuries. Animal welfare organisation OneKind, which coordinates the Unbound the Greyhound coalition of nine animal welfare groups, argues these figures demonstrate that the sport cannot be made safe through regulation alone.
Limited Economic Impact in Scotland
The economic argument for preserving greyhound racing in Scotland has also weakened significantly. An independent economic impact assessment commissioned by international animal welfare organisation GREY2K USA found that Thornton Greyhound Stadium – Scotland’s sole remaining track – contributes only £62,000 in gross value added (GVA) and supports just two full-time equivalent jobs in Fife.
By contrast, the study found that repurposing the site for housing could generate £5.9 million in capital asset value and provide significantly larger economic benefits. The analysis comes as Fife Council has declared a housing emergency, making alternative uses of the land increasingly attractive to policymakers.
Following Wales’ Lead
Scotland’s move follows Wales becoming the first UK nation to commit to banning greyhound racing. The Welsh Government announced in February 2025 that it would prohibit the sport “as soon as practically possible,” with draft legislation published in August indicating the ban would take effect between 2027 and 2030.
Widespread Parliamentary Support
Ruskell’s bill has attracted cross-party support in the Scottish Parliament, with 24 MSPs from across the political spectrum backing the proposal. The legislation would make it an offence for greyhound owners and racetrack operators to participate in racing on oval tracks, with potential penalties including fines, prison sentences, and bans on keeping greyhounds.
The bill includes a 12-month implementation period following royal assent to allow for appropriate preparations, including rehoming arrangements for affected greyhounds. Several Scottish rescue centres, including Dogs Trust and the Scottish SPCA, have already indicated willingness to care for former racing dogs.
Industry Pushback
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has defended the sport’s welfare record, pointing to what it describes as “significant improvements” in recent years. GBGB data shows the track injury rate has fallen to a record low of 1.07%, while the number of dogs euthanised for economic reasons dropped from 175 in 2018 to just three in 2024.
“Currently, there is no licensed greyhound racing occurring in Scotland,” a GBGB spokesperson said. “The Scottish public will be completely puzzled that the SNP government and Green Party are seeking to spend parliamentary time prior to the election on banning something that doesn’t happen here”.
However, campaigners argue that percentage improvements mask an industry built on inherent risk. According to the RSPCA, only nine countries worldwide still permit commercial greyhound racing, including all four UK nations.
Timeline and Next Steps
The bill is currently at Stage 1 of the Scottish Parliamentary process, with the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee expected to scrutinise the legislation in the coming months. While the government supports the general principles, Fairlie indicated ministers want to make amendments to enforcement provisions and ensure they can set the implementation date rather than having it automatically take effect 12 months after royal assent.
