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.
