New Zealand to Ban Greyhound Racing

Posted on: December 10, 2024, 06:42h. 

Last updated on: December 10, 2024, 06:42h.

New Zealand, one of just five countries in which commercial greyhound racing still exists, is set to ban the sport, citing concerns over the welfare of dogs.

The government on Tuesday introduced a bill to prevent the unnecessary killing of dogs, while legislation to end racing officially will be filed early next year.

The industry will be wound down over the next 20 months to allow the rehoming of around 2,900 racing dogs and to give people who rely on the sport for a living time to transition to other jobs. The government estimates the industry employs around 1,000 people on a full-time basis.

Dog Days of Racing

The new bill will be “passed under urgency,” New Zealand’s deputy prime minister and racing minister, Winston Peters, said Tuesday.

“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,” Peters said in a statement.

This is not a decision that is taken lightly but is ultimately driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs,” Peters added.

In addition to New Zealand, commercial greyhound racing takes place in Australia, Ireland, the UK and the U.S. However, the sport is banned in 42 U.S. states, and live racing is now confined to just two venues in West Virginia. In the UK, Scotland is also considering banning the sport.

Commercial racing is also still legal in Mexico, Vietnam, and Macau, but there are no longer operational tracks.

Greyhound racing has been under review in New Zealand for the past decade because of concerns about canine welfare. In 2021, 232 racing greyhounds died and 900 suffered injuries, leading to the government to place the industry “on notice.”

But there were 2,500 injuries and nearly 30 deaths in the ensuing two and a half years, according to local animal rights group Safe.

Decision ‘Historic’

On Tuesday, SAFE called the government’s decision “historic,” while lamenting the death of another dog, “Diamond Roman,” which suffered a catastrophic injury and was killed following a race at Southland’s Ascot Park Raceway.

Meanwhile, Sean Hannan, chair of industry body Greyhound Racing NZ, said the industry was “devastated” by the news.

We are extremely disappointed that the government has not recognised the work the industry has done to address areas of concern – to the extent it now leads the wider racing industry with its commitment to animal welfare,” Hannan said.

“This decision is not just about the sport – it affects families, businesses, and communities who have dedicated their lives to caring for and racing greyhounds,” Hannan said.