New Zealand Set to End Greyhound Racing Over Animal Welfare Concerns
New Zealand has announced plans to ban commercial greyhound racing, citing persistent concerns over animal welfare. The country is one of only five nations worldwide where the sport remains legal.
The government will introduce legislation in early 2024 to phase out the industry over a 20-month period. This transition period will allow for the rehoming of approximately 2,900 racing dogs and give the industry's 1,000 full-time employees time to find alternative employment.
Greyhound sitting on bed
Deputy Prime Minister and Racing Minister Winston Peters emphasized that despite recent industry improvements, injury rates remain unacceptably high. 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.
Commercial greyhound racing currently operates in only five countries:
- New Zealand (soon to be banned)
- Australia
- Ireland
- United Kingdom
- United States (limited to two venues in West Virginia)
While Greyhound Racing NZ expressed disappointment with the decision, citing their efforts to improve animal welfare standards, animal rights group SAFE welcomed the ban as "historic." The announcement coincided with another racing dog death at Southland's Ascot Park Raceway, underlining the ongoing welfare concerns that prompted this legislative action.
The new bill will be expedited through parliament to ensure swift implementation of these animal welfare protections.