MSP Mark is runaway winner
Mark Ruskell – Scottish Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife – has once again won the public vote for Holyrood Dog of the Year.
This year, Mr Ruskell entered the competition with his staffer’s dog Bluesy, a rescue greyhound, and used his platform to raise awareness of the campaign to end greyhound racing. The MSP previously won the public vote with his own greyhound, Bert.
The Scottish Green MSP has been a longstanding supporter of the campaign to end greyhound racing, and recently welcomed support from the SSPCA and others for a petition in Parliament to end greyhound racing.
Speaking after the event, Mr Ruskell said: “It’s great to win the public vote again with an ex-racing greyhound. There is so much love for these dogs and they make for wonderful pets once they have been properly re-homed.
“As ever, the Holyrood Dog of the Year competition has been an incredible cross-party opportunity to raise critical animal welfare issues – including the need to end greyhound racing for good.
“In Scotland, greyhound racing is on its last legs. With only one licensed track left, it’s time to act decisively to protect the welfare of greyhounds – just like Bluesy, and my own dog Bert – and finally put an end to it.
“Greyhound racing caused 3,000 dog deaths and 18,345 injuries in just three years between 2017 and 2020.”