Greyhound racing at Scotland’s last track has been given a surprise reprieve after a government report fell short of calling for a ban on the sport.
The owner of Thornton Stadium in Fife had expected the document to recommend closure after an intense campaign against racing. But the report of the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission into alleged cruelty claims gave the green light for Thornton.
It did, however, recommend banning new tracks from opening and support the mandatory presence of vets at races. It also suggested that an independent body, appointed via a local authority regulation or the new Scottish Veterinary Service, should regulate all racing greyhounds based in Scotland, even if racing elsewhere.
The report concluded that racing dogs generally have poorer welfare than other breeds. Campaigners against greyhound racing welcomed the report as they believe the sport is finished.
But Thornton Stadium owner Paul Brignal is now considering joining the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), meaning the currently unlicensed “flapping track” is regulated.
He said: “The reality is that we don’t have enough money coming in as it stands and we already run at a loss, so funding a vet at every race meeting isn’t viable. The only way that could be accommodated would be to move towards professionalising the operations, which could mean joining the GBGB and … signing an internet gambling contract.
“The greater commercial and gambling is supposedly associated with worse conditions for the dogs and, as it stands, we really only have amateur, hobby trainers and dogs that run for fun.”
The report by the SAWC, which advises the Scottish Government, looked at evidence from many sources. Dog owners were interviewed during a visit to Thornton by SAWC chair Cathy Dwyer. Scotland’s rural affairs, islands and natural environment committee asked for an inquiry in response to a petition to end greyhound racing by Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation (SAGE).
The country’s last licensed track, Shawfield in Glasgow, shut last year amid claims of dogs being drugged and others being euthanised when their racing days were over. Gill Docherty, of SAGE, welcomed the report.
She said: “We would support any legislation that prevents new tracks opening in Scotland. It is unrealistic to suggest that Thornton could expand to become a professional, licensed track.”
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