New Zealand announces ban on greyhound racing starting in 2026

In December 2024, New Zealand announced the decision to phase out greyhound racing by 2026, marking a significant shift in the country's approach to animal welfare. This decision came on the heels of troubling statistics from Save Animals From Exploitation (SAFE), which reported over 5,000 injuries, including 65 fractures and six deaths, within just a few months of the racing season. Deputy Prime Minister and Racing Minister Winston Peters had previously supported the racing industry, arguing that injuries were in line with international benchmarks and lower than in Australia. However, the growing evidence of animal suffering led to the conclusion that the industry's risks outweighed its benefits. Peters noted the government's commitment to working with animal welfare organizations to ensure responsible rehoming for greyhounds upon the phase-out's implementation. The announcement echoed sentiments from the New Zealand Green Party and other animal rights advocates who had long pushed for the ban, believing it to be a necessary step towards eliminating cruelty disguised as entertainment. While Peters had acknowledged the industry's progress in enhancing animal welfare, he conceded that the high rate of injuries could no longer be overlooked. Experts from the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds in Australia pointed out that this ban serves as an admission that the greyhound racing industry is fundamentally flawed and dangerous for the animals involved. Supporters of the ban argue that it represents a monumental win for animal rights in New Zealand, positing that public sentiment has shifted towards a greater recognition of animal welfare as a priority. Peters' statements surrounding the ban have highlighted the importance of maintaining a commitment to keeping unwanted dogs safe, suggesting the government is prepared to invest resources into rehoming programs for retired racing greyhounds. This sentiment resonates with a growing number of citizens who are unwilling to tolerate an industry that exploits animals for entertainment. As the greyhound racing industry phases out, there are concerns regarding its economic impact, particularly given that the industry had generated substantial revenue, with $612 million wagered in 2022 alone. It remains to be seen how horse racing and other forms of betting will be adjusted in light of this significant regulatory change. The New Zealand government, while promoting the ban, faces the challenge of ensuring that the needs of retiring racing greyhounds are adequately addressed, to prevent abandonment or neglect. The decision has undoubtedly stirred public debate about animal rights and the ethical implications of using animals in sports and entertainment, setting a precedent that could influence similar regulations in other countries around the world.