Greyhound trainer blasts NZ Ban as “Unrealistic and disgraceful”
A leading greyhound trainer and board member of Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) has slammed the government’s abrupt decision to ban greyhound racing, calling it a “disaster” and accusing the Racing Minister of blindsiding the industry.
Craig Roberts, a Canterbury-based trainer with decades of experience, expressed shock at the announcement, which allows for a 20-month wind-down period to rehome thousands of racing dogs.
“We had absolutely no knowledge of this whatsoever,” Roberts said.
“There has been zero communication from Winston Peters since he has held the position of Racing Minister.”
Roberts described the lack of consultation as “disgusting and absolutely disgraceful,” adding that the decision disregarded the substantial progress made in animal welfare and rehoming.
“Our industry is now the most heavily regulated sporting body in the country, far surpassing the standards of the other two racing codes,” he said.
The government justified the ban by citing persistently high injury rates among racing greyhounds.
The day after the ban announcement, GRNZ CEO, Edward Rennell, said the industry is outraged that the NZ Government did not acknowledge the significant reforms that had been undertaken.
Peters pointed to 900 injuries and nine deaths on the track during the 2023–24 season, along with four dogs that died immediately after racing.
He argued that stricter rules had failed to yield meaningful improvements.
Roberts rejected this reasoning, asserting that inherent risks exist across all racing codes.
“Last season, 21 thoroughbreds were euthanized due to on-track injuries,” he said.
“Injuries and fatalities are an unfortunate reality in these industries, but we’ve moved quickly to make changes.”
Roberts also questioned the feasibility of rehoming thousands of greyhounds within the proposed timeframe.
“I have about 75 greyhounds, and it is absolutely ridiculous to think they can all be rehomed in 20 months.
It will take years to wind down the industry and responsibly rehome these dogs,” he said.
“The minister’s plan is not achievable and shows a lack of understanding of the practical challenges involved.”
While the government insists the decision puts animal welfare first, Roberts argued that the plan unfairly targets greyhound racing and ignores broader issues.
“The industry has undergone massive change over the last two to three years, yet we’re being picked on while others are not held to the same standards.”
Roberts and other industry members hope the government will revisit the timeline, but for now, he remains committed to ensuring the welfare of the dogs in his care.
“We’re not in this industry to put animals down.
“That’s ridiculous.
“We will do everything we can to ensure they are rehomed properly.”
The NZ greyhound ban has sent shockwaves through New Zealand’s greyhound racing community, leaving many questioning the future of the sport and the fate of the thousands of dogs affected by the decision.
Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) CEO, Stuart Laing, has reassured Australian participants that, while the NZ greyhound ban is distressing, the local industry is safe for now.