The New Zealand government has announced plans to ban greyhound racing in the country by 2026 due to welfare concerns.
The country’s deputy prime minister and racing minister Winston Peters has said that it is intended that greyhound racing will be wound down over a 20-month period.
This means clubs and tracks in the country will be closed by the end of 2026.
He said that this will enable the rehoming of racing dogs and to provide a transition period for people involved in the industry.
Greyhound racing
Peters said that the New Zealand greyhound industry has been “on notice over animal welfare concerns for several years”.
There have been three reviews into the industry over the past decade, all recommending significant changes.
“This is not a decision that is taken lightly but is ultimately driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs.
“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,” he said.
Peters said that the government acknowledged 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,” he said.
Ban
The government said that it will begin the process of winding up the industry today (Tuesday, December 10) through the urgent introduction of legislation to prevent the unnecessary killing of racing dogs.
“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,” Peters said.
“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.
“They will provide advice on ensuring animal welfare, and support for those involved in the industry.
“Keeping unwanted dogs safe is a priority. The government is working with animal welfare organisations to establish programmes to support rehoming,” he added.
Aside from New Zealand, commercial greyhound racing currently takes place in Ireland, Australia, the UK and the US.