NZ is moving quickly to protect greyhounds after saying it will shut the dog racing industry. Photo: stock
New Zealand is to end greyhound racing next year in a move that has been welcomed by that country’s peak animal welfare organisation.
NZ Deputy PM and Racing Minister Winston Peters says that racing will be wound down over 20 months with an estimated 2900 dogs hopefully rehomed.
And the government has moved to introduce a Bill today to protect the dogs.
“This is not a decision that is taken lightly but is ultimately driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs,” Peters says.
“Despite significant progress made by the greyhound racing industry in recent years, the percentage of dogs being injured remains persistently high and the time has come to make a call in the best interest of the animals.”
Peters says that three reviews into the industry over the past decade all recommended significant changes.
“We acknowledge the work done by Greyhound Racing New Zealand to improve safety. While fewer dogs are dying, injury rates, while down slightly, have plateaued and remain unacceptably high,” Peters said.
The 20-month period will also provide a transition period for racing staff.
“Further legislation … is required. A bill to make the necessary changes to the Racing Industry Act 2020 will be introduced to Parliament in 2025,” he said.
“Keeping unwanted dogs safe is a priority,” Peter said.
“The government is working with animal welfare organisations to establish programs to support rehoming.”
REACTION
In a statement on its website, SPCA NZ says it is ecstatic at the news with Chief Scientific Officer Dr Arnja Dale saying it marks a hard-fought victory.
“Thank you, Mr. Peters, for making this challenging but right decision for greyhounds and for showing compassion for dogs made to work in a dangerous gambling industry,” she says.
“Thank you for listening to evidence, experts, and the New Zealand public. Thank you for paving the way for these dogs to live a good life.”
“We are relieved, and absolutely thrilled, that after years of being given many ‘last chances’ Greyhound Racing NZ (GRNZ) has been directed to shut this business down,” says Dr. Dale.
“We hope Peter’s leadership on animal welfare inspires the very few remaining countries who still have a commercial greyhound industry to follow New Zealand’s brave example.”
The Australian Racing Greyhound website quoted GRNZ chairman Sean Hannan as expressing deep disappointment at the news which he says affects more than 1000 staff and will close seven racing clubs and six tracks.
The SPCA says the industry is due to close before the start of the 2026-27 racing season which starts on August 1.
