The Scottish Government has confirmed it will back new legislation to end greyhound racing in Scotland – with ministers saying there are “genuine risks” to dogs from the sport.

Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said the Government would support the general principles of a member’s Bill from Green MSP Mark Ruskell to ban it.

The legislation seeks to make it an offence to operate a racing track for greyhounds, and for a dog owner to race their animal on one.

It comes after the Welsh Government announced in February this year that greyhound racing will be banned there “as soon as practically possible”.

The Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill has already been backed by animal rights organisations.

In a letter to Mr Ruskell, the minister said that the Government “acknowledges th

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