The Government of New Zealand has outlawed greyhound racing and is set to introduce legislation next year to prohibit the betting sport. This comes as too many dogs are hurt or killed during the race.
The move follows increasing public scrutiny of dog racing in recent years. This is due to the number of dogs euthanised owing to race-day injuries or because homes cannot be found for them after their short careers. The public has developed a growing distaste for the sport due to this, which has also provoked animal welfare campaigns.
The government’s plan
The government’s plan is to stop the racing from 1 August 2026. In addition, they will allow the 2,900 racing dogs to be rehomed and more than 1,000 people employed in the industry to find other work, Racing Minister Winston Peters said.
The practice currently operates in the United States, Australia, the UK and Ireland, with only two tracks remaining in the US after many states ended the practice. By outlawing the sport, New Zealand is set to put an end to the practice in one of the few countries where it still operates.
“Beginning the process today we are introducing the Racing Industry (Unlawful Destruction of Specified Greyhounds) Amendment Bill, which will be passed under urgency to prevent the unnecessary killing of racing dogs,” Peters added.
Peters said there is need for further legislation to enable the end of the practice, adding that a bill to make changes to the Racing Industry Act 2020 will be introduced to Parliament in 2025.
In addition, a committee to manage the rehoming of racing dogs is to be formed once the bill has been passed.
Not enough progress
The country’s greyhound racing industry has faced repeated reviews over its dog safety record, with reports urging swift sweeping changes. Peters said New Zealand has made progress but not enough.
He said, “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.
“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.”
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