The Government has announced plans to end greyhound racing in New Zealand.
In a statement this afternoon, Racing Minister Winston Peters said the Government intended to wind down racing over 20 months to enable the rehoming of racing dogs and provide a transition period for those involved in the industry.
The Greyhound industry called it a “devastating blow” that would have “far-reaching implications” for those who work in racing.
Peters said it was “not a decision that is taken lightly” but is “ultimately driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs”.
He said the industry had been on notice for several years over animal welfare concerns and there had been three major reviews, all which recommended significant change.
“We acknowledge 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,” Peters said today.
Peters said the wind-down period would begin today with the introduction of the Racing Industry (Unlawful Destruction of Specified Greyhounds) Amendment Bill.
“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.
Peters said that a key task would be rehoming the estimated 2900 racing greyhounds in New Zealand.
“An Advisory Committee has been appointed to help manage the transition process,” he said.
“The Committee members are Heather Simpson (Chair), Murray Johnson and Lindsay Burton. 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.”
There are seven greyhound race clubs and six tracks around the country – Dunedin still exists as a club but after the closure of its track they share with Southland.
In 2023-24 there were around 390 race meetings and 4800 races.
It accounts for 8.5% of the economic output of the racing industry and it’s estimated there are 1054 FTE roles employed by the industry.
In last year’s final election debate, both now Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins said they thought greyhound racing should be banned.
Peters previously called it a “very delicate situation” but wouldn’t commit to a time frame. He also said that “dogs love racing”.
Reflecting on those comments today, Peters said: “They can race around the park, and they can race around the beach, but they won’t be racing around a track and getting themselves injured to the degree they are getting injured now.”
Greyhound Racing New Zealand ‘devastated’
The Minister for Racing, Winston Peters, said it was “not a decision that is taken lightly”. (Source: 1News)
In a statement this afternoon, Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) chair Sean Hannan called the decision a “devastating blow” to an industry that had invested “significantly” in reforms.
“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,” he said.
He said the end of greyhound racing would have “far-reaching” implications for those who work in the industry.
“This decision is not just about the sport; it affects families, businesses, and communities who have dedicated their lives to caring for and racing greyhounds,” Hannan said.
GRNZ believed the sport had a legitimate place in the country’s racing industry and highlighted recent efforts to improve animal welfare.
“Over recent years, the industry has made significant strides in improving animal welfare standards, introducing robust regulations, and fostering greater transparency,” Hannan said.
“We are proud of these advancements and the positive impact they have had on our sport and the animals we care for.”
He urged the Government to reconsider its decision and engage in “meaningful dialogue to explore how the industry can further evolve while maintaining its place in the country’s racing community”.
Opposition parties ‘fully support’ decision
The Green Party’s Animal Welfare and Racing Spokesperson, Steve Abel, called it a “great day” for the welfare of greyhounds.
“Successive reports highlighting the cruelty, mistreatment, and neglect in the industry were left to gather dust as successive governments kicked the can down the road. We acknowledge the decisive decision by Minister Winston Peters to do what should have been done years ago,” Abel said.
Labour’s spokesperson Tangi Utikere said his party “fully supports” the decision.
“The Labour Government gave the industry two options – operate under stricter conditions or face a ban. The lack of progress on straight tracks and failure to improve animal welfare systems to avoid injury and death shows that continuing under strict conditions is no longer viable.
“Labour is willing to work with the Government to ensure a timely implementation of the ban. The first step in legislation today protects greyhounds from unnecessary destruction, ensures these animals are treated with dignity as the industry transitions to closure.”
Labour’s animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said: “We are supporting today’s Bill making its way through the house in all stages to ensure the safety and wellbeing of dogs.”
