Mark Bird responds to Mark Ruskell MSP's Member's Bill to ban greyhound racing in Scotland that will be introduced today

Mark Bird, Chief Executive of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain said:

“To be clear, there is no licensed greyhound racing taking place in Scotland today. As such, this is not a Bill which has any relevance to the people of Scotland – particularly when there are so many other pressing issues affecting their daily lives.

“Unfortunately, this is a confused and ill thought-out piece of legislation with implications that go well beyond the remit of racing greyhounds in Scotland. It says more about Mark Ruskell’s vested interests than the wellbeing of animals, and any ban would simply jeopardise the welfare of greyhounds.

“We have submitted considerable evidence to the RAI Committee and have had positive meetings with them about the importance and effectiveness of strong regulation.  We also provided significant evidence to Mr Ruskell’s own consultation which he failed to reflect or consider. This Bill ignores the substantial evidence which proves the need for effective regulation to safeguard greyhound welfare.

“Anyone in Scotland whose hospital appointment has been cancelled, or whose school standards have slipped, will wonder why on earth the Scottish Parliament is giving this any time when there are actual priorities for the country. The electorate will be confused and disgusted that parliamentary time is being given to this.

“Mr Ruskell cites the dodgy backroom deal between the Welsh Government and the single Liberal Democrat Senedd Member to secure the passing of their Budget by agreeing to consider a ban on greyhound racing in Wales as if this was, in any way, something laudable. The significant criticism that this backroom deal received across the board demonstrates the folly of this kind of politics.

“Fringe agendas should be left for the Edinburgh Festival – not facilitated by the Scottish Parliament.”