GBGB slam ‘vanity’ Scottish Bill ban and warns other sports

THE expected, and symbolic given there is no greyhound racing in the country, passing of the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill has been condemned by the GBGB.

Under the provisions of the act, which now just requires Royal assent, greyhound racing will be banned in Scotland even though it has not taken place since independent track Thornton closed last year and, under rules, Shawfield in 2020.

Mark Bird, CEO of the GBGB, said: “It is astounding and deeply disappointing that the Scottish Parliament has decided to pass this.

“The bill is unevidenced, illogical and will help no one in Scotland – least of all greyhounds. 

“In the final weeks before an important election, Scottish constituents will find it simply unbelievable that their representatives have wasted hours of precious Parliamentary time introducing a law to ban something that does not even exist in their nation and which will have no impact at all on animal welfare. 

“This decision should also act as a warning for all groups engaging with the Scottish Government. 

“Less than two years ago, the Minister stated on the record that such a ban was not proportionate.

“Yet despite being repeatedly challenged by the Convenor of the RAI [Rural Affairs and Islands] committee to provide evidence to support his change of position, he and his party have not only failed to do this, but also thrown their support behind Mark Ruskell MSP's vanity Bill.

“Other animal use groups, from horseracing to agility and flyball, will be greatly concerned about the Government's decision to appease animal rights campaigners and will be rightly apprehensive as to which activities will inevitably be targeted next.”