“End Dog Racing in Scotland” – Animal Welfare Organizations Send Strong Message to Scottish Government to Halt Cruel Sport

People love dogs. They just do. From their great personalities to their furry wagging tails, there are so many reasons for man’s best friend to be as endeared as they generally are. However, while some like to treat their dogs with love and affection, others are a little different. Some people see dogs solely as a means to an end, with the end generally being money.

Unsurprisingly, dog racing has boomed, with organizations training the dogs and people paying to watch and gamble on their races. While dog racing in Scotland is seemingly on its last legs, non-profits are still pushing really hard to ensure that the “sport” is discontinued.

Into Dog Track Demonstration

This week a group of nine non-profits projected “End Dog Racing in Scotland” across several iconic Scottish landmarks. The move was a call by animal welfare groups to send a clear message to the Scottish Government. According to data, 6 in 10 Scots are against the greyhound racing industry. In fact, just a few months ago, an open letter calling for the end of greyhound racing received over 15,000 signatures.

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The message was displayed in numerous venues, including Shawfield Stadium, a hotbed for dog racing since 1932. However, the stadium has been defunct since the COVID-19 pandemic. Other venues include Glasgow Green’s Mclennan Arch, the Barras Market, below Edinburgh Castle, and Edinburgh’s Lothian Road. The ‘Unbound the Hound’ coalition also projected an animated video, highlighting the differences between a dog within and without the industry.

While many would consider the end of this industry desirable, as things stand, the Scottish government is considering the licensing of greyhound racing. However, activists believe that licensing would do little to protect the dogs. Many hope that “there is no return to racing,” calling on the government to introduce a phase-out ban on greyhound racing at dog tracks.

How Things Stand Today

Although no new dog tracks will be opened, it doesn’t stop races from taking place at older venues like the former home of Clyde FC. Still, the venue’s owners are considering demolishing the property. “Given my concern about the welfare of greyhounds that have been raced at Shawfield previously, I hope that there is no return to racing,” one government official said in parliament.

As things stand, the government’s official stance is that it takes the welfare of greyhounds very seriously. However, it also understands the deep connection to greyhound racing that has been nurtured in Scottish history. So, they are considering granting licenses that would also include tighter restrictions and regulations on the industry.

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