The Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill, introduced by Green MSP Mark Ruskell, makes it an offence to race greyhounds on oval tracks, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and a £20,000 fine. The measure passed by 70 votes to 27, with 19 abstentions, after ministers dropped their opposition.

Mr Ruskell said: “Racing greyhounds at up to speeds of 40pmh around an oval track results in catastrophic injuries and deaths.

“Dogs break their legs, break their backs, end up paralysed and with serious head trauma.”

Supporters, including campaigners, argued the ban would prevent harm and ensure no tracks reopen. Lorraine Baker of the Scottish Greyhound Sanctuary said: “The statistics speak for themselves.”

Critics, however, said the legislation was unnecessary – given the absence of active tracks. Former stadium owner Paul Brignal described it as a “huge waste of taxpayers money”, while Mark Bird, chief executive of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain said the bill was “unevidenced, illogical and will help no-one in Scotland – least of all greyhounds”.

He added: “In the final weeks before an important election, Scottish constituents will find it simply unbelievable that their representatives have wasted hours of precious parliamentary time introducing a law to ban something that does not even exist in their nation and which will have no impact at all on animal welfare.”

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said racing exposed dogs to risks that could not be mitigated, but opposition MSPs labelled the move “virtue-signalling legislation” that would not improve animal welfare.