New Zealand bans greyhound racing for animal welfare reasons

In a significant development for animal welfare, the New Zealand government declared that it will implement a ban on greyhound racing effective from 2026. This decision was officially announced on December 10, 2024, citing ongoing concerns related to the high rates of injuries and fatalities among racing dogs. Deputy Prime Minister and Racing Minister Winston Peters highlighted that despite advances made by the greyhound racing industry in recent years, the injury rates among these animals remained alarmingly high, prompting the need for decisive action to protect their welfare. The government’s decision came following heightened scrutiny over the treatment of animals within the racing industry. While some improvements had been noted, the persistent issues surrounding canine injuries and deaths remained unresolved. This led officials to conclude that the time had come to prioritize the welfare of the animals above the sport itself. Sean Hannan, the chairman of Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ), expressed disappointment, labeling the decision as a severe blow to an industry that had already invested much in reform efforts to enhance animal welfare standards. Hannan further stated that this ruling would not only impact the dogs and their welfare but would also have far-reaching consequences for families, communities, and businesses that have dedicated their lives to the sport. The greyhound racing industry employs more than a thousand individuals who depend on the sport for their livelihoods. In an effort to mitigate the negative repercussions of the ban, the government has proposed legislation aimed at preventing the unnecessary euthanasia of racing dogs. The forthcoming legislation will facilitate a structured phase-out of greyhound racing over a 20-month period, allowing the industry community to provide input into the process. Animal welfare advocates praised the government’s initiative, highlighting the importance of making humane decisions for animals involved in racing. Dr. Arnja Dale, the chief scientific officer for the New Zealand SPCA, expressed gratitude to the government for being receptive to public and expert opinions. She noted this decision marks a crucial turning point in addressing the ethical concerns surrounding greyhound racing, advocating that it serves as an encouraging example for other nations still upholding commercial greyhound enterprises. The commitment from the New Zealand government to work with animal welfare organizations emphasizes the priority placed on rehoming nearly 2,900 racing dogs, aligning with broader animal welfare goals.