Thursday May 1st 2025
Lorna Slater MSP with Nova.
Lorna Slater, Lothian MSP and Scottish Greens co-leader writes her monthly column for Midlothian View.
I was delighted to take part in the annual Holyrood Dog of the Year competition this week. It’s an annual event that puts MSP pooches against one another to raise support for animal welfare charities.
Entering with my office manager Ryan’s wonderful dog Nova, a beautiful Cocker Spaniel, my team had a ball taking part in the judging and competitions.
Scotland is rightly proud of its reputation as a nation of animal lovers. Across our towns, cities and countryside, dogs are beloved members of our families.
That’s why it is so important that we take their welfare seriously, ensuring that every dog in Scotland is treated with the compassion and respect they deserve.
Last week, my Scottish Green colleague Mark Ruskell MSP introduced a Bill to ban Greyhound racing in Scotland — a significant and long-overdue step for dog welfare. Despite a dramatic decline in popularity, two greyhound racing tracks still remain in Scotland but only one still operates.
Greyhounds are such graceful and gentle animals, but they often endure injuries, poor living conditions and a lifetime of stress simply for the sake of human entertainment and gambling corporation profits.
This is not the Scotland we aspire to be.
Mark Ruskell’s Bill seeks to bring our laws in line with public sentiment. The Welsh Government recently announced they would be following New Zealand’s lead and our parliament’s plans to implement a band, sadly there is no intention to follow suit in England.
We are fortunate in this country to have brilliant organisations working tirelessly promoting and enhancing animal welfare. The Dogs Trust for instance, has long championed the importance of responsible dog ownership, education, and rehoming services. Their work supporting rescue dogs, many of whom have suffered neglect or mistreatment, is nothing short of lifesaving.
The Kennel Club also plays a vital role in promoting best practices in breeding and dog care, advocating for health and welfare standards that help prevent suffering before it starts.
However, these organisations cannot do it alone. Governments must match the compassion shown by campaigners and the public with firm, fair legislation.
The Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill is just one example of how we can act to safeguard dog welfare. We must also tackle puppy farming, enforce stricter penalties for abuse – including ownership banning orders and better regulate breeding practices to put the health of dogs ahead of profit.
Every dog should have a safe, loving home — and a life free from harm and exploitation. That’s what Nova has had and what every dog deserves.
By supporting measures like banning unsafe racing or making dog theft a specific statutory offence (another bill the parliament is due to consider), we can show that Scotland’s commitment to animal welfare is more than just words; it is action.
Together, with the expertise of organisations like the Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, we can make Scotland a true leader in dog welfare — a country where kindness prevails and where every dog can live the life they deserve.
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