A company which has scrapped plans to build a new greyhound track in Scotland says its decision was prompted by the fact that “support and interest in greyhound racing has diminished”.

The move by Sirius Sports and Leisure to abandon the Wallyford greyhound track project is another major blow to greyhound racing.

The announcement has been welcomed this week by the “Say NO to Wallyford Track” campaign group which commented: “The track has been cancelled - there will be no greyhounds harmed at Wallyford.”

Cllr Jane Smith of the Animal Welfare Party praised campaigners whose efforts were instrumental in stopping the track. “Great news!!!!” Cllr Smith tweeted. “Bravo to all you ace campaigners.”

An Edinburgh Live report outlined that Sirius Sports director Howard Wallace “said that changing attitudes towards greyhound racing in society and among politicians along with the closure of a number of UK stadiums had led his decision.”

In a statement submitted to East Lothian Council as part of a planning application to change his company’s obligations over the stadium, Mr Wallace stated that “in more recent years, it is evident to me that support and interest in greyhound racing has diminished due to the following - society's relationship with animals has and continues to be redefined — this is a changing dynamic of how the sport is viewed by the public. The diminishing number of greyhound racing stadiums operating in the UK has weakened the infrastructure and promotion of the sport, reducing opportunities for owners and trainers in which to race their greyhounds in open competitions.”

“I am aware that members of the Scottish Parliament are on public record supporting an end to proposals for greyhound racing at Wallyford and a winding down of the industry in Scotland until a full ban can be achieved,” he added. “This was obviously a major concern for myself and any potential funder [and] I regret that, against this evolving background, I have not been able to proceed with the stadium any further.”

Last year, the Howard Wallace-owned Longford Greyhound Stadium was permanently closed down and is currently listed for sale for €750,000.

At the Wallyford site, an ugly steel structure for a greyhound stadium stand was erected 15 years ago and has since been an eyesore for locals. It is understood that this will now be pulled down to make way for the construction of a factory that will produce plant-based foods.

Congratulations to the “Say NO to Wallyford Track” group and all those whose efforts led to this successful outcome. It further fuels the determination to achieve a closure of all tracks and finally bring cruel, dog-killing greyhound racing to an end in the UK, Ireland and around the world.

SEE ALSO
East Lothian greyhound stadium plans scrapped despite partially-built grounds
https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/part-built-greyhound-stadium-plans-20764722

Watch RTE’s award-winning "Greyhounds Running For Their Lives" documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYTb2qBjlMM