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New report on greyhound racing in Scotland
The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission has published a report on the welfare of racing greyhounds in Scotland.
The report calls for a vet to be present at races.

The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) has published a report on the welfare of greyhounds used for racing in Scotland.

The report follows a petition by the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment (RAINE) committee calling for an end to greyhound racing in Scotland, and a campaign by Dogs Trust, RSPCA and Blue Cross calling for a phased end to greyhound racing in the UK.

In its findings, the report concluded that although dogs enjoy the opportunity to run and chase a lure, there are several causes of welfare concern, including the risk of injury or death at the track, the amount of time racing dogs spend in kennels, and the risk of neglect at the end of a dogs career.

There is one remaining greyhound stadium in Scotland, which is not regulated by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB). The report recommends that an experienced, independent veterinarian should be present at the track when dogs are racing to provide immediate care when needed, and assess whether dogs are fit to race.

The report strongly recommends against any future developments for additional racetracks in Scotland.

Gilly Mendes Ferreira, Scottish SPCA director of innovation and strategic relations said: “Though the Scottish SPCA supports a phased end to greyhound racing in Scotland, we are pleased with the SAWC report and the analysis and research it contains for evidence regarding greyhound racing.

“We are hopeful that this report will be supported by the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment (RAINE) Committee during its next meeting in Holyrood on 15 March and will lead to a phased end to this outdated industry."

GBGB CEO, Mark Bird said: “We share a common goal with SAWC of protecting and promoting greyhound welfare in Scotland. But we are clear that strong and effective regulation is the only way to do this successfully and have therefore been working with Holyrood officials to support Scotland’s one unregulated track to be licensed.

“Under our remit, racing greyhounds receive far more protection than domestic dogs. We have over 200 Rules governing those within the sport, including the requirement that a veterinary surgeon is present before, during and after any racing, and setting strict standards on the care of greyhounds at tracks, during transportation and at home in their trainers’ residential kennels.”

The full report can be viewed here.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.