New Zealand Announces Ban on Greyhound Racing

New Zealand intends to prohibit greyhound racing, attributing the decision to an “unacceptably high” incidence of injuries. This sport has historically drawn criticism within the nation, including allegations against some breeders for animal mistreatment or doping. The government’s strategy involves phasing out the industry over a 20-month period. This timeframe is designed to facilitate the rehoming of racing dogs and to enable individuals employed in the sector to move into alternative professions. Currently, commercial greyhound racing is permitted in Australia, Ireland, the UK, and the US, in addition to New Zealand. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Racing Minister Winston Peters stated, “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.” He further added, “This is not a decision that is taken lightly but is ultimately driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs.” On Tuesday, the government presented a bill aimed at preventing the unnecessary killing of racing dogs. Peters, who also serves as New Zealand’s deputy prime minister, indicated that this bill “will be passed under urgency.” He also mentioned that additional legislation would be introduced to facilitate the cessation of greyhound racing. Over the last ten years, the greyhound racing industry has been subject to three reviews, each advocating for substantial modifications. Local media reports indicate that in 2021, 232 racing greyhounds perished and 900 sustained injuries. The government issued a warning to the industry in September of that year, yet the fatalities and injuries persisted. The animal rights organization Safe documented over 2,500 injuries and almost 30 deaths in the subsequent two-and-a-half years. A primary objective now involves rehoming the approximately 2,900 racing greyhounds still residing in the nation. Animal rights organizations, which have consistently advocated for the closure of the industry, welcomed Tuesday’s announcement. Safe characterized it as a “monumental win for animal rights.” SPCA, New Zealand’s longest-standing animal welfare charity, expressed that it is “ecstatic” about the initiative and urged other nations where greyhound racing is permitted to adopt a similar approach. Conversely, Greyhound Racing New Zealand, an industry association representing greyhound racing clubs nationwide, stated its “devastated” reaction to the government’s proposition. Sean Hannan, the association’s chairman, commented, “The greyhound racing community is left reeling from the announcement, with many voicing concerns over the potential cultural and economic void this decision will create.” Data indicates that greyhound racing constitutes 8.5% of New Zealand’s NZ$1.3b ($760m; £595) racing sector, supporting slightly more than 1,000 full-time positions. Hannan remarked, “The government’s decision to close the industry is profoundly disappointing, as it overlooks the meaningful progress we have achieved,” and additionally called upon the government to re-evaluate its choice.