New Zealand has announced plans to ban commercial greyhound racing, becoming the latest country to end the controversial sport due to animal welfare concerns. The ban will be implemented through legislation set to be introduced in early 2024.

The industry will undergo a 20-month phase-out period to allow for:

• Rehoming of approximately 2,900 racing dogs
• Transition support for roughly 1,000 full-time industry employees

Deputy Prime Minister and Racing Minister Winston Peters cited persistent high injury rates as the primary reason for the ban, despite recent industry improvements. In 2021 alone, 232 racing greyhounds died and 900 suffered injuries. The following two and a half years saw 2,500 injuries and nearly 30 deaths.

Currently, commercial greyhound racing remains legal in only five countries:

• Australia
• Ireland
• United Kingdom
• United States (limited to two venues in West Virginia)
• New Zealand (until ban takes effect)

While Greyhound Racing NZ expressed disappointment with the decision, animal rights group SAFE celebrated it as "historic." The industry body argues that significant progress had been made in addressing welfare concerns, but the government determined these improvements were insufficient to ensure the safety of racing dogs.

The new legislation will be expedited through parliament to prevent unnecessary dog deaths, marking a significant shift in New Zealand's sporting landscape and animal welfare standards.

Related Articles

Previous Articles