New Zealand to Phase Out Greyhound Racing Over Animal Welfare Concerns
New Zealand will ban commercial greyhound racing, becoming one of the first among the five remaining countries where the sport is still legal. The decision comes after persistent concerns over animal welfare and high injury rates among racing dogs.
The government's plan includes:
- A wind-down period of 20 months
- Rehoming of approximately 2,900 racing dogs
- Support for industry workers to transition to new employment
- Emergency legislation to prevent unnecessary dog deaths
Recent statistics highlighting the need for the ban:
- 232 racing greyhounds died in 2021
- 900 injuries reported in the same year
- 2,500 injuries and nearly 30 deaths in the past 2.5 years
Greyhound sitting on bed
Deputy Prime Minister and Racing Minister Winston Peters emphasized that despite industry improvements, injury rates remain unacceptably high. The decision prioritizes animal welfare over commercial interests.
Current status of greyhound racing globally:
- Legal in only 5 countries: Australia, Ireland, UK, US, and New Zealand
- Banned in 42 US states
- Only 2 operational venues remain in West Virginia
- Scotland considering similar ban
Industry response:
- Greyhound Racing NZ expressed devastation at the decision
- Claims recent welfare improvements weren't properly recognized
- Concerns about impact on families and businesses involved in the sport
The ban represents a significant shift in New Zealand's sporting landscape and reflects growing global concern over animal welfare in commercial racing.