A MAJORITY of Scots are opposed to greyhound racing, according to new poll.
Analysis carried out by Panelbase on behalf of an American organisation opposed to the sport found that six in ten people want the Scottish Parliament to phase out greyhound racing.
The welfare of the dogs was raised as the biggest concern among respondents, with most believing that dogs bred for racing have a bad quality of life.
There are no active licenced tracks in Scotland with the last remaining site, Shawfield in Rutherglen, hosting no races since 2020.
However, one unlicenced operational greyhound track in Scotland located in Thornton, Fife remains in business.
The Scottish Government is currently undertaking research into the sport with MSPs expected to reach a conclusion about its future next month.
READ MORE: Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton in 'insulting' comment over trans law debate
Bob Elliot, Director of Scottish animal welfare charity OneKind, said the “outdated” sport had no place in a contemporary Scotland:
"The statistics are clear; the majority of people in Scotland want to see a greyhound racing ban.
"Time and time again, we’ve seen doping scandals, horrifyingly high numbers of injuries and deaths – over 1,000 dogs killed on the Greyhound Board of Great Britain’s regulated tracks across a five-year period – and the abysmal treatment of raced greyhounds.
“We’ve also heard heart-breaking accounts of traumatised greyhounds during parliamentary debates, and inspirational accounts of the incredible people who rehabilitate them. These dogs are the lucky ones. Others will be killed when they no longer make money for their ‘trainers’.
READ MORE: 'Absolute disgrace': Alister Jack snubs Holyrood committee invite
"How much more does the Scottish Government need to hear? Greyhound racing is a cruel and outdated ‘sport’ which has no place in a modern Scotland. These sensitive, lazy and loving dogs, affectionately known as ‘couch potatoes’ by their families, deserve so much better. Nothing short of a complete ban on greyhound racing will suffice."
Last year, a Holyrood committee looking at the subject heard that some dogs in Scotland were given cocaine and that some racers as old as 10 “seldom” see daylight.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here