A CLACKS MSP has celebrated winning the Pawblic Vote at the Holyrood Dog of the Year Awards.

Mark Ruskell, MSP for the Green Party, nominated his dog Joy, a four-year-old three-legged greyhound, formerly a racing dog.

Joy survived a serious injury as a result of racing and belongs to an animal welfare campaigner and constituent who lives in the Mid Scotland and Fife region that Ruskell represents.

Ruskell has been very vocal about abolishing greyhound racing in Scotland.

“I am delighted that so many people have been touched by Joy and her story,” Ruskell said. “She is a beautiful dog and I was proud to take her to Holyroof where she was able to win people’s hearts and votes.

“Joy is super friendly with people and fellow dogs. She has a tail that never stops wagging, and she does not let the fact that she is a three-legged dog get in the way of her running, playing or socialising.

“Holyroof Dog of the Year is a great initiative. I am sure that Joy will use her win as an opportunity to raise awareness of the concerns around greyhound racing in Scotland, the unacceptable level of injuries and deaths and the need for this gambling led industry to be phased out.

“Former racing greyhounds make amazing family pets and Joy is a great advert for homed greyhounds everywhere.”

This is Ruskell’s second win in a row in the competition, securing the Pawblic Vote award with a difference racing dog Bluesy and his third win overall.