New Zealand: New Zealand has announced plans to end greyhound racing, citing an “unacceptably high” rate of wounds despite recent efforts to enhance animal welfare in the industry. The government will phase out the sport over the next 20 months, authorising time for the rehoming of nearly 2,900 racing dogs and helping industry workers transition to new careers.
Racing Minister Winston Peters defined the move as necessary to protect racing dogs, stating that, “the percentage of dogs being injured remains persistently high” despite reforms. Winston Peters emphasised that the decision, while difficult, prioritises animal welfare.
The government presented a bill to prevent the unnecessary killing of racing dogs, which will be passed urgently. Further lawmaking to formally end greyhound racing is also planned. Animal welfare advocates received the announcement. SAFE, an animal rights group, called it a “monumental win,” while SPCA, the country’s oldest animal welfare charity, said it was “ecstatic” and urged other nations to follow suit.
The industry, however, expressed deep dissatisfaction. Greyhound Racing New Zealand chairman Sean Hannan said the decision overlooked the progress made in recent years and warned of economic and cultural impacts, as the sport accounts for 8.5 per cent of the country’s $760 million (NZ$1.3 billion) racing industry and supports over 1,000 full-time jobs.
New Zealand joins a growing global conversation about the ethics of greyhound racing. Outside of the country, the sport remains legal in Australia, Ireland, the UK, and the US.
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