New Zealand bans greyhound racing despite reforms
The New Zealand greyhound racing industry has been dealt a devastating blow with the government’s decision to phase out the sport over the next 20 months.
Racing Minister Winston Peters announced the ban, citing persistent animal welfare concerns despite years of industry reforms and significant investments in safety measures.
Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) Chairman Sean Hannan expressed deep disappointment, describing the decision as a “devastating blow” to an industry that had prioritised animal welfare.
“We are extremely disappointed that the government has not recognised the work the industry has done to address areas of concern – to the extent that it now leads the wider racing industry with its commitment to animal welfare,” Hannan said.
Over recent years, GRNZ implemented sweeping reforms, including stricter regulations governing breeding, rehoming, and euthanasia, which exceeded New Zealand’s animal welfare standards.
The organizstion also directed substantial resources toward reducing injuries and fatalities, achieving measurable improvements.
“The industry placed animal welfare at the core of its operations, advocating for the continuation of greyhound racing under strict oversight,” Hannan said.
Despite these efforts, Peters argued that progress had plateaued and was insufficient to justify the sport’s continuation.
“While fewer dogs are dying, injury rates, while down slightly, remain unacceptably high,” he said. Peters acknowledged the industry’s reforms but stated that the government had to act in the “best interest of the animals.”
The closure follows years of warnings to the industry, beginning with a 2021 review that placed greyhound racing “on notice” due to welfare concerns.
The Racing Integrity Board (RIB) monitored the industry’s progress, recognising improvements but also noting areas where significant challenges persisted.
Despite some positive trends, Peters said it was “time to make a call.”
For the industry, the ban impacts not only the racing participants but also the livelihoods of over 1,000 full-time employees and the economic contributions of the seven race clubs and six tracks across New Zealand.
Greyhound racing accounted for 8.5% of the overall racing sector’s output, with thousands of races and meetings held annually.
Hannan emphasised the broader consequences of the decision, noting the ripple effects on trainers, breeders, and others whose work revolves around the sport.
“This decision disregards the livelihoods of many who have dedicated their lives to this industry,” he said.
The government has announced a 20-month transition period, including an advisory committee tasked with overseeing the rehoming of the estimated 2,900 racing greyhounds and supporting affected stakeholders.
Peters assured that resources would be available to ensure the transition was as smooth as possible but maintained that the ban was “the right thing to do.”
As the industry faces its final chapter, those within it remain resolute in their belief that greyhound racing could have continued under strict conditions.
However, the government’s decision marks the end of a sport that has been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s racing heritage.
Nobody expected the ban in NSW to be overturned. Hard work and facts is what is needed. Hopefully, Australia helps our neighbours.