New Zealand bans greyhound racing after the sport faced backlash over ‘unacceptably high’ rates of injuries

New Zealand government officials are moving to ban greyhound racing in the country, with the government announcing plans to close the sport in 2026.

Racing Minister Winston Peters said the decision was based on the “unacceptably high” number of injuries and deaths among dogs in recent years.

While injury and death rates had fallen after the government notified industry bodies in 2021, ministers gave racing organizations a 20-month transition period until the ban officially comes into effect.

During that period, racing organizations and government agencies will have to rehome 3,000 greyhounds across the country.

“Despite the significant progress the greyhound racing industry has made in recent years, the percentage of injured dogs remains persistently high and the time has come to make a call in the interests of the animals,” said Peters, who is also Deputy Prime Minister of the country. Minister, said.

Much has been invested and worked within the sector over the past three years to improve animal welfare efforts. Sean Hannan, chairman of Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ), called the ban a “devastating blow”.

Racing Minister Winston Peters said the decision was based on the “unacceptably high” number of injuries and deaths among dogs in recent years.

“We are extremely disappointed that the government has not recognized the work the industry has done to tackle the problem areas – to the extent that it is now leading the wider racing industry in its commitment to animal welfare,” Hannan said.

‘In recent years, GRNZ has introduced strict regulations regarding breeding, rehoming and euthanasia, with the aim of exceeding the standards of New Zealand animal welfare legislation.

‘The organization has placed animal welfare at the heart of its activities and advocates the continuation of greyhound racing under strict supervision.’

It is believed that 1,000 citizens are currently employed full-time in the industry, with New Zealand, along with Australia, Ireland, Britain and the US, one of the few countries where greyhound racing is still permitted.

“The decision has far-reaching implications for the industry’s trainers, breeders, owners and there are more than 1,000 employees, associated industries and hundreds of volunteers involved in greyhound racing,” Hannan added.

‘It’s not just about the sport; it affects families, businesses and communities who have dedicated their lives to the care and racing of greyhounds.”

Hannan called the government’s decision to halt racing in New Zealand “very disappointing” and claimed it “overlooked the meaningful progress we have made”. He urged the government to reconsider its decision.

The sector has faced criticism from animal welfare activists in recent years, with more than 12,751 people in the country signing an agreement Change.org petition to end dog racing in New Zealand.

Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) chairman Sean Hannan called the ban a ‘devastating blow’

“We are extremely disappointed that the government has not recognized the work the industry has done to address the problem areas,” Hannan said/

Peters explained on social media that the decision to ban the sport was not taken lightly

In 2021, the New Zealand government issued warnings to racing bodies with the Robertson Review highlighting concerns regarding transparency and animal welfare in the sector.

Sir Bruce Robertson then told GRNZ that ‘ongoing incidents impacting dog welfare were unacceptable and the industry’s social license was increasingly at risk.’

The white paper added that if these areas within the sport could be improved, there was a chance that ‘the industry in New Zealand could continue despite vocal pressure’.

The Racing Integrity Board (RIB) has assessed the future of the industry, and while some progress has been made, significant changes have been recommended.

“While fewer dogs are dying, injury rates, while down slightly, have remained stable and remain unacceptably high,” he added.

‘Keeping unwanted dogs safe is a priority. The government is working with animal welfare organizations to establish programs to support rehoming,” Peters said.

New Zealand’s leading animal rights charity, SAFE, has been vocal in their call for dog racing to be banned in the country, claiming the government’s decision is a ‘monumental victory’. and death.’

In recent months, the organization, along with the SPCA, DogWatch and HUHA, had issued a joint statement to the state calling for a ban on the sport. In their communication the organizations cited a poll conducted by the SPCA claiming that 74 percent of New Zealanders would vote for a ban on dog racing.

Animal rights activists have celebrated the decision alongside charity SAFE, calling it a ‘monumental victory’

Green Party animal welfare and racing spokespersonSteve Abel added: ‘This is a great day for the welfare of greyhounds, they have the right to live without suffering.

‘An overwhelming majority of New Zealanders – three-quarters according to the latest SPCA polls – have long called for an end to the greyhound racing industry.

“As part of today’s announcement, a bill has been introduced to ban unauthorized euthanasia. We welcome this.’

Abel added: ‘Successive reports highlighting the cruelty, abuse and neglect in the industry continued to gather dust as successive governments swept the issue aside. We recognize the decisive decision of Minister Winston Peters to do what should have been done years ago.’