Animal rights organizations are demanding the cessation of greyhound racing in Scotland.
The movement urges the Scottish administration to take steps to gradually eliminate dog racing and advocates for the “release of greyhounds.”
The Scottish legislature has agreed to examine the issue following a plea submitted by the Scottish Against Greyhound Exploitation (Sage) group.
OneKind, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, the League Against Cruel Sports, Global Greys 2K, Animal Concern, Hope Rescue, the Cross-Party Parliamentary Dog Welfare Advisory Group, and the Scottish Against Greyhound Exploitation organization are also backing the campaign.
The campaign states: “The greyhound racing industry in Scotland is nearing its conclusion, with only one unauthorized track remaining in Scotland.” “Surveys indicate that a majority of Scots desire to see the Scottish government terminate this brutal industry, which entails the demise and injury of dogs, amputations, and the use of performance-enhancing substances.”
The Chief Executive is contemplating taking action.
Scottish Green Party MSP Mark Ruskell has declared his backing for the initiative, which he has long been dedicated to ending dog racing.
This involves a plea to cease operations at Thornton Greyhound Stadium, the sole remaining unlicensed canine racetrack in Scotland.
Bringing the matter to the attention of Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf in the Scottish Parliament this week, Ruskell emphasized that the dog racing enterprise is “on its last legs” and the government should contemplate a gradual elimination of the practice.
“No canine should be compelled to participate in an industry controlled by wagering, with unacceptable hazards of injury and fatality,” Ruskell stated. “Does the First Minister concur that the present moment is opportune for Scotland to phase out dog racing entirely?”
In response, Yousaf acknowledged that animal well-being should be the cornerstone of the government’s agenda and indicated he would contemplate potential actions the government could undertake.
“Certainly, I am willing to examine how we can further implement Mark Ruskell’s request,” Yousaf remarked. “We possess a commendable record regarding animal welfare, but I concur that there is scope for further enhancement.
“I will scrutinize Mark Ruskell’s request diligently and will correspond with him in due time outlining our future plans.”
Ruskell added: “I am heartened by the First Minister’s interest and am gratified that he shares my apprehensions. I trust we can collaborate to phase out dog racing. No canine should be subjected to the inherent risks associated with this industry.
“It is truly encouraging to witness such widespread unity in advocating for the phasing out of dog racing in Scotland.”
Our dedication lies in the welfare of these remarkable creatures, guaranteeing their care and safeguarding their well-being.
“I trust that the increasing figures and the Chief Minister’s focus will convey to the industry that its days are limited.”
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