New Zealand has announced plans to ban greyhound racing, citing an “unacceptably high” rate of injuries. The sport has long faced criticism, with some breeders accused of mistreating or doping the animals. The government plans to wind down the industry over the next 20 months, allowing time for the rehoming of racing dogs and for people in the industry to transition to other jobs. Aside from New Zealand, commercial greyhound racing is allowed in Australia, Ireland, the UK, and the US. Despite progress made by the greyhound racing industry, 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, said Racing Minister Winston Peters. This decision is not taken lightly, but is ultimately driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs. The government has introduced a bill to prevent the unnecessary killing of racing dogs, which will be passed under urgency. Further legislation will be tabled to enable the end of greyhound racing. There have been three reviews of the greyhound racing industry over the past decade, all recommending significant changes. In 2021, 232 racing greyhounds died and 900 suffered injuries, according to local media reports. Animal rights groups, who have long fought for the industry to be closed, cheered the announcement, calling it a “monumental win for animal rights”. New Zealand’s oldest animal welfare charity, the SPCA, is “ecstatic” at the move and called on other countries that allow greyhound racing to follow suit.
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