Wellington: The New Zealand government announced on Tuesday plans to ban greyhound racing by 2026, citing persistently high injury rates among racing dogs despite ongoing efforts to improve animal welfare.
Minister for Racing Winston Peters stated that while fatalities have decreased, the injury rates remain “unacceptably high.” The decision follows a decade of scrutiny, including three major reviews, all recommending significant reforms to the industry.
“While fewer dogs are dying, injury rates, while down slightly, have plateaued and remain unacceptably high,” Peters said.
The government will phase out greyhound racing over the next 20 months. An advisory committee has been formed to assist in rehoming approximately 2,900 racing dogs affected by the ban.
In tandem, a new bill has been introduced, supported by the opposition Labour Party, to address unnecessary deaths of racing dogs. Further legislation to outlaw greyhound racing entirely is expected next year, Peters added.
Greyhound Racing New Zealand Chairman Sean Hannan described the decision as a “devastating blow” to the industry, highlighting investments made to improve animal welfare.
Also Read | India’s Steel Growth Raises Concerns Over Net-Zero Targets by 2070
“We are extremely disappointed that the government has not recognised the work the industry has done to address areas of concern – to the extent that it now leads the wider racing industry with its commitment to animal welfare,” Hannan stated.
He expressed concern about the future of greyhounds in New Zealand, warning the breed may disappear from the country entirely.
Also Read | First Agreement Under Taiwan-US Trade Initiative Takes Effect
New Zealand is one of only five countries—alongside the U.S., Ireland, Australia, and Britain—where commercial greyhound racing is still permitted. The sport represents 8.5% of New Zealand’s NZ$1.3 billion ($760 million) racing industry and employs just over 1,000 people full-time.
