New Zealand government officials are taking steps to ban greyhound racing in the country, with the government announcing that there are plans to close the sport in 2026.
Racing Minister Winston Peters cited the decision as being based on the “unacceptably high” rate of dog injuries and deaths in recent years.
While injury and mortality rates had fallen after the government notified industry bodies in 2021, ministers gave racing bodies a 20-month transition period until the ban officially comes into force.
During that period, racing organizations and government agencies will be required to rehome 3,000 greyhounds in the country.
“Despite the significant progress made by the greyhound racing industry in recent years, the percentage of injured dogs remains stubbornly high and the time has come to make an appeal for the benefit of the animals,” said Peters, who He is also the country’s vice president. Minister, he said.
Over the past three years there has been huge investment and work within the industry to improve its commitment to animal welfare, with Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) president Sean Hannan calling the ban a “devastating blow”.
The New Zealand government is set to introduce a ban on greyhound racing that will come into force in 2026.
Racing Minister Winston Peters cited the decision as being based on the “unacceptably high” rate of dog injuries and deaths in recent years.
“We are very disappointed that the Government has not recognized the work the industry has done to address areas of concern, to the extent that it is now leading the wider racing industry with its commitment to animal welfare,” Hannan said. .
‘In recent years, GRNZ has implemented strict regulations governing breeding, rehoming and euthanasia, aiming to exceed the standards set by New Zealand animal welfare legislation.
“The organization has placed animal welfare at the center of its operations, advocating for the continuation of greyhound racing under strict supervision.”
It is understood that there are currently 1,000 citizens employed full-time in the industry, with New Zealand, along with Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States, being one of the few countries where dog racing is still permitted.
“The decision has far-reaching implications for trainers, breeders and owners in the industry, and there are more than 1,000 employees, ancillary industries and hundreds of volunteers connected to 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 went on to call the government’s decision to close racing in New Zealand “deeply disappointing”, claiming it “overlooks the significant progress we have made”. He urged the government to reconsider its decision.
The industry has faced criticism in recent years from animal welfare activists, with more than 12,751 people in the country signing a Change.org petition to end dog racing in New Zealand.
Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) president 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 areas of concern,” Hannan said.
Peters took to social media to explain that the decision to ban the sport had not been made lightly.
In 2021, the New Zealand government issued warnings to racing bodies with the Robertson Review highlighting concerns related to transparency and animal welfare in the industry.
Sir Bruce Robertson subsequently informed GRNZ that “continued incidents affecting the welfare of dogs were unacceptable and the industry’s social license was increasingly at risk.”
The white paper adds that if those areas could be improved within the sport then there would be a chance that “the industry could continue in New Zealand despite vocal pressure”.
The Racing Integrity Board (RIB) has been assessing 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 slightly decreasing, have plateaued 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 its calls for dog racing to be banned in the country, saying the government’s decision is a “monumental victory”, adding that the measure “will protect thousands of dogs from unnecessary pain and suffering.” 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 his notice, the organizations cited a survey conducted by the SPCA which claims 74 per cent of New Zealanders would vote in favor of banning greyhound racing.
Animal rights activists hailed the decision, with charity SAFE calling it a “monumental victory”.
Green Party spokesperson for animal welfare and racingSteve 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 survey – 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 cruelty, mistreatment and negligence in the industry were left to gather dust as successive governments kicked the can down the road. “We recognize Minister Winston Peters’ decisive decision to do what should have been done years ago.”