THERE are holes in our animal welfare protections that leave greyhounds at serious risk of harm.

Greyhound racing is a high-risk and gambling-led sport that leaves dogs facing unnecessary risk and sometimes even death. A total of 2,412 racing greyhounds have died between 2018 and 2021.

And whilst there are no licensed tracks left in Scotland, there remains one unlicensed track in Thornton, Fife, where racing continues.

Last month, the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee started an inquiry into Greyhound Racing in Scotland. As an owner of a rescued greyhound, I've been shining a light on the industry and attended the inquiry.

Animal welfare organisations – the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and the SSPCA – told us that they felt the industry was now beyond reform and that the inherent risks posed by racing dogs at up to 40 mph around a curved track meant that the dogs' welfare cannot be guaranteed.

Most importantly, the SSPCA told us that current animal welfare legislation in Scotland is not sufficient to protect the welfare of racing greyhounds, and the risks faced by these dogs is significantly higher than other companion animals.

The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission also published a report on the impact of greyhound racing in Scotland. It called for an end to new greyhound tracks and noted that: "On average, a dog bred for racing in Scotland currently has poorer welfare than the average of other dogs in the population."

But it's not just the direct injuries and deaths that should concern us. The life of racing dogs is often one without the socialisation that other dogs benefit from. Many are kept in small and cramped kennels and made to train and race from a young age.

Life after racing is bleak for many dogs too. Every year there will be a lot of dogs who are retired or simply can't race, and some who cannot be rehomed. This means that several healthy dogs are made homeless or are put down.

The excuses provided by the industry were flimsy. They resisted change and argued for business as usual to continue, irrespective of the damage that is being done to the dogs. Apparently having vets on site at the Fife track would be too expensive, but bookmakers were fundamental to the racing experience.

They also argued that a ban on racing would move it underground, which is particularly absurd as it would be impossible to hide a 400-metre oval track – you could see it from space.

This industry is beyond reform. Just as there are many uses of animals from the past that are appalling to us today, I have no doubt that future generations will look back and ask why we allowed greyhound racing to continue for so long.

How we treat vulnerable voiceless animals is a mark of how progressive we are as a nation.

The Scottish Parliament has already banned the use of wild animals in circuses; it's time we phased out greyhound racing for good.