The Scottish government has officially backed a ban on greyhound racing, marking a significant step forward for animal welfare in the country – as Vegan FTA reported.
This move supports a bill introduced by Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell, who has gained cross-party backing for the legislation. Initially hesitant, the government shifted from suggesting a licensing scheme to full support of the ban, acknowledging the serious risks and harms greyhounds face in racing. This decision aligns Scotland with places like Wales and New Zealand, which have also taken measures to prohibit this cruel, gambling-driven sport.
Mark Ruskell emphasized his delight in the government’s support, highlighting the protection this will afford greyhounds and the end it will bring to their suffering. He shared the story of his own rescued greyhound, Bert, who endured a broken leg and abandonment but now lives a content life, underscoring the urgent need for change. The bill aims to make it illegal to race greyhounds on oval tracks in Scotland, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.
This development resonates deeply with the work of our dear partner, Pro Animale, who runs a sanctuary in Ireland committed to rescuing and rehabilitating greyhounds, ensuring these gentle dogs find safe, caring homes after such hardships. The ban promises to reduce the number of greyhounds harmed and discarded in the racing industry and reflects a growing public consciousness about animal welfare.
However, while Scotland moves decisively towards compassion, the situation in Ireland remains far more complex. As recently reported by the Racing Post, the Irish government has decided to keep its financial support for horse and greyhound racing at €79.3 million for 2025. This substantial amount underscores how deeply state-backed the racing industry still is in Ireland, even as welfare concerns continue to mount.
While Scotland is setting an example by prioritising ethics over entertainment, Ireland’s ongoing financial commitment to racing highlights just how far there is still to go to protect animals from suffering in the name of sport and profit.
For supporters and partners like Pro Animale, this is a hopeful milestone that brings shared goals closer to reality: ending the exploitation of greyhounds and celebrating them as companions rather than commodities.
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