A coalition of animal welfare organisations, Unbound the Greyhound, has condemned the Greyhound Board of Great Britain’s (GBGB) celebratory ‘Greyhound week’, which begins today (26th August). 

‘Greyhound week’ a week that GBGB says is to "showcase the joy and excitement of greyhound racing" comes just a month after GBGB’s own figures revealed that 109 dogs died trackside last year at registered GBGB tracks. A further 55 were killed as they didn’t have a home or were designated unsuitable for homing. 

A spokesperson for the Unbound the Greyhound coalition, Eve Massie Bishop, said: 

“There is nothing to celebrate in an industry where 2,751 dogs lost their lives and 26,522 injuries were recorded between 2018 and 2023. 736 of the dogs that died weren’t even killed for medical reasons, but because their treatment was deemed too expensive, they were homeless, designated ‘unsuitable for homing’ or effectively surplus to the industry’s needs. This is appalling. 

“GBGB’s statistics consistently demonstrate that the suffering of dogs is an intrinsic part of the industry. We are appalled that their ‘Greyhound Week’ promotions are aimed at families and young children. How can an industry where greyhounds have been drugged or killed at the tracks be considered family-friendly”? 

The Unbound the Greyhound coalition was launched last year to push for significant parliamentary action and is very supportive of Mark Ruskell MSP’s proposed Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill, stating: 

“We have worked tirelessly to demonstrate the overwhelming public support for a ban in Scotland and were delighted when an astounding 22,655 people signed our open letter to the Scottish Government, urging them to phase out this cruel ‘sport’. 

“We’re thrilled that, a year later, a Bill to ban greyhound racing in Scotland will be introduced to Parliament. And it’s not just the Unbound the Greyhound coalition that supports this change - 9,505 members of the public have also pledged their support for the proposed Bill, which has garnered backing from 24 MSPs across the Chamber. 

“It’s evident that dog racing is on its last legs in Scotland. We are very appreciative of Mr. Ruskell’s support for our campaign and look forward to supporting the Bill as it moves through the Scottish Parliament”. 

Notes to editor 

1. The coalition includes OneKind, GREY2K USA Worldwide, Say No To Greyhound Racing in Scotland, Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation (SAGE), the League Against Cruel Sports, Hope Rescue, the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) and Animal Concern. You can learn more about the campaign here. 
2. The coalition’s open letter to the Scottish Government with 22,655 signatures can be viewed here. 
3. The Unbound the Greyhound coalition hosted a pledge action earlier this year, which allowed people to add their name in support of the main aims of the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill. 9,505 individuals added their name. 
4. The proposed Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill can be seen here.