The Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill is set to advance to its Stage 3 proceedings, with a crucial debate scheduled in the Scottish Parliament on 12 March 2026. This legislative effort is expected to culminate in the prohibition of greyhound racing across Scotland, marking a significant development for animal welfare in the UK.
Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell has been the driving force behind the bill, advocating for an end to greyhound racing due to the inherent risks of injury and fatality for dogs on oval racetracks. The proposed legislation specifically targets racing on oval tracks but includes provisions allowing Scottish Ministers to extend the ban to other track types, such as straight tracks, through future regulations.
Should the bill pass, Scotland would become the first UK nation to implement such a comprehensive ban, though the Welsh Government has also announced its intention to prohibit greyhound racing, with a bill introduced in September 2025 and an expected phase-out between 2027 and 2030. New Zealand, too, has announced a phased ban set to conclude by July 2026.
The RSPCA has highlighted the declining global prevalence of the sport, stating that “there are only nine nations in the world where Greyhound racing remains legal including the four UK home nations.” This underscores the growing international movement towards ending greyhound racing.
Conservationist Chris Packham has publicly endorsed the Scottish bill, expressing strong support for its objectives.
“A ban would be a tremendous result for animal welfare, for dogs and for Scotland,” Packham stated. “Times need to change and leaving animal cruelty in the past is an imperative. Greyhound racing with all of its associated misery has no place in 21st century Britain. Wales and England must follow this lead. Hats off to Mark Ruskell and all those who have got us to this point.”
Mr Ruskell welcomed Packham’s support, echoing the sentiment for improved animal welfare.
Ruskell commented: “I’m delighted to have the support of Chris Packham, who has already done so much to advance the cause of animal welfare. Greyhounds are wonderful animals and should not be forced to run at such speed and at so much risk of injury or death. Every greyhound deserves a happy and healthy life. With the support of Chris and so many people across Scotland we can finally end this cruel gambling-led sport for good.”
Recent data from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) for 2023 indicates a concerning trend in racing-related incidents. A total of 109 greyhounds died trackside in the UK during that year, representing an increase compared to the 99 track fatalities recorded in 2022. Furthermore, 4,238 injuries to greyhounds were reported during racing in 2023, a slight decrease from the 4,354 injuries in 2022. Independent research, including a 2018 report by Professor Andrew Knight, has highlighted that the high speeds and oval track designs inherently strain greyhounds’ bodies, contributing to an unavoidable rate of injuries and deaths.
