Key points:
- New Zealand is set to ban greyhound racing
- The decision has been taken following “unacceptable” rates of mortality in racing dogs
- The Government has given the industry a 20-month winding down period
An announcement made by New Zealand’s Racing Minister, Winston Peters, has confirmed that the practice of greyhound racing will be coming to an end in the nation in 2026.
Minister Peters has confirmed that, while the decision has “not been taken lightly,” the Government has decided to prioritise the welfare of racing dogs moving forward. Thus, plans to initiate a 20-month cooling period of the greyhound racing industry have been put into place in New Zealand.
This timeframe will enable industry professionals and participants a chance to prepare for the closing down of the business, as well as allowing for the adequate rehoming of racing dogs. On this current 20-month trajectory, greyhound racing will be officially banned in New Zealand by Q3 2026.
Speaking on the motivations behind the decision, Minister Peters said: “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.”
“We acknowledge the work done by Greyhound Racing New Zealand to improve safety. While fewer dogs are dying, injury rates, while down slightly, have plateaued and remain unacceptably high.”
Indeed, the nation’s greyhound racing industry has been under scrutiny for animal welfare concerns for some time, with three official reviews of the practice over the past 10 years all concluding that significant changes were required.
Good to know: In October, an inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW was extended until April 2025
Minister Peters continued, saying: “Further legislation to enable the end to greyhound racing is required. A bill to make the necessary changes to the Racing Industry Act 2020 will be introduced to Parliament in 2025. There will be a full select committee process so everyone will have a chance to have their say.”
“A key task will be the rehoming of the estimated 2,900 racing greyhounds in New Zealand. An Advisory Committee has been appointed to help manage the transition process.”
Additional news out of New Zealand racing this week saw the introduction of more new racing legislation which seeks to strengthen the nation’s horseracing industry. Moreover, earlier today, New Zealand’s DIA announced it would be taking Christchurch Casino to court over alleged AML failings.
