Greyhound racing, once a popular pastime in Scotland, is on the brink of vanishing as debates intensify over its future. The closure of the last operational track, Thornton Stadium in Kirkcaldy, has prompted calls for a permanent ban. Advocates argue that the sport constitutes animal cruelty and seek to follow Wales' lead in outlawing it. Meanwhile, trainers and owners maintain that their activity prioritizes dog welfare and deserves recognition as a misunderstood hobby. With fewer than 30 greyhound racers remaining in Scotland and declining interest nationwide, the sport's fate hinges on legislative decisions.

Historically, Scotland boasted over 20 greyhound tracks, attracting thousands of spectators and contributing significantly to Britain’s gambling industry. However, by 2023, only Thornton Stadium remained active. Its indefinite closure in March, attributed to challenges finding a betting partner and concerns about potential bans, underscores the precarious state of the sport. According to data from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), 109 greyhounds died at UK tracks in 2023, with an additional 4,238 injuries recorded. This grim reality fuels demands for reform or outright prohibition.

Opponents of greyhound racing highlight numerous welfare issues associated with the sport. Narisa Rojanamonthien, who adopted a former racing dog named Crafty in 2023, described her pet's struggles adapting to life outside the kennel due to ear tattoos and socialization difficulties. Lorraine Baker of the Scottish Greyhound Sanctuary noted risks such as shattered legs and broken necks faced by racing dogs. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding euthanasia practices for dogs deemed unsuitable for racing due to age, injury, or surplus status. Gill Docherty, founder of Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation, emphasized fears of a resurgence if no legislative action occurs.

Defenders of the sport, like James Shand, a long-time owner and trainer from Cowdenbeath, refute claims of mistreatment. With Thornton's closure appearing inevitable, Mr. Shand reluctantly gave up his last three dogs, citing family circumstances preventing him from keeping them as pets. He stressed the high standard of care provided to his animals and questioned accusations against trainers. Despite losing his lifelong passion, Mr. Shand expressed sorrow over the disintegration of the close-knit community surrounding greyhound racing.

Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell introduced the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill, proposing penalties up to five years imprisonment for permitting greyhounds to compete at racetracks. Ruskell argued that regardless of location, racing inherently endangers dogs running at speeds up to 40mph. Paul Brignal, owner of Thornton Stadium since 2002, labeled the bill "outrageous" and "seriously flawed." While unlicensed by GBGB, he pledged compliance with recommendations from the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission if they enable reopening. These include maintaining injury records and having veterinarians present during races. Brignal acknowledged limited prospects for new tracks given low returns on investment.

Political support for banning greyhound racing varies among parties. Although Ruskell's initiative garnered cross-party backing, the Scottish government remains unconvinced, preferring a licensing system penalizing violators of animal welfare standards. Similarly, the UK government has shown no intention of implementing a ban in England. As discussions continue, both sides remain steadfast in their positions—anti-racing campaigners determined to secure legal prohibition, while supporters advocate preserving what they view as a cherished tradition.

Beyond mere numbers, this debate encapsulates broader ethical questions about human-animal interactions within recreational contexts. Whether through legislation or natural decline, the trajectory of greyhound racing in Scotland will likely reflect evolving societal values concerning animal rights and welfare. Regardless of outcome, stakeholders agree that ensuring humane treatment for these animals must remain paramount.