Last week, New Zealand announced plans to ban greyhound racing, a move described as either “monumental” or “devastating” depending on who you ask. If you ask us here at Dogstar, the only thing devastating about it is the fact that it took so long to get banned in the first place. However, this is a huge step in the right direction and we hope to start a snowball effect of global changes in the world of sports. The decision comes out of deep-rooted animal welfare concerns and marks the end of an era in the sport in this country.
Citing the “unacceptably high” injury rate, Horse Racing Minister (and New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister) Winston Peters declared it was time to “make decisions that are in the best interests of the animals”.1 Despite advances in recent years, including reductions in euthanasia and some injury rates, Peters said the improvements are not enough to justify the continuation of greyhound racing.
The government has outlined a 20-month transition period to allow the industry to wind down. During this period, priority will be given to the resettlement of the approximately 2,900 racing greyhounds currently in New Zealand. Mr Peters assured the public that no dogs would be sent overseas to race and introduced legislation to prevent unnecessary culling of racing dogs, which he said would be “passed urgently”. said. Animal welfare organizations such as SAFE and the SPCA are ready to support repatriation efforts, but although logistical challenges remain, the government is committed to helping, and Mr Peters said greyhounds are “very good pets. It is described as “clean”.
The dark side of greyhound racing
The sport has long faced criticism in New Zealand over its treatment of greyhounds, with some breeders accused of abuse and doping. Research over the past decade has consistently called for significant change, and in 2021 the government issued a ‘warning’ to the industry following reports of more than 230 deaths and 900 injuries in one year. I did. Subsequent monitoring by animal rights groups such as SAFE recorded more than 2,500 injuries and nearly 30 deaths over the next two and a half years, despite pressure to change practices.
However, the announcement was met with strong opposition from Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ). The group’s chairman Sean Hannan and chief executive Edward Rennell both expressed disappointment. Mr Hannan described the decision as “deeply disappointing” and highlighted the potential cultural and economic vacuum it would create. Greyhound racing accounts for 8.5% of New Zealand’s NZ$1.3 billion horse racing industry and supports more than 1,000 full-time jobs.
Despite these claims, the government’s decision was based on a decade-long review that consistently recommended stricter surveillance or closures. Former racing ministers including Grant Robertson and Kieran McAnulty have previously suggested the current situation is unsustainable. Mr McAnulty, who served as racing minister until the last election in 2023, said in May last year: “We are faced with two options: continue under strict conditions or close.” Peters’ announcement makes clear that closure is considered the only viable path forward.
This decision has drawn criticism from industry insiders as there was no prior consultation. Mr Rennell pointed out that GRNZ had submitted quarterly reports to ministers and requested a meeting to discuss the future of the industry, but those overtures had been ignored. “The greyhound racing community is shaken by this announcement,” Hannan said, expressing concern for the livelihoods of those involved in the sport.
Celebrate Greyhound Victory
Nevertheless, Peters stressed that protecting animal welfare was the main motivation behind the decision. “Canceling greyhound racing is the right thing to do,” he said, adding that the decision did not reflect any personal feelings, but was a necessary step for the welfare of racing dogs.
Animal rights activists celebrated Tuesday’s announcement, calling it a “monumental victory for animal rights.” “This is a monumental victory for animal rights in Aotearoa, ending an era of exploitation,” said a relieved SAFE campaign manager Emma Brody. Mr Brody added that the decision reflected growing sentiment among New Zealanders against atrocities disguised as entertainment.
New Zealand’s oldest animal welfare charity, the SPCA, also joined in the celebrations, calling the decision “ecstatic” and urging other countries to follow suit. Commercial greyhound racing is currently only allowed in a few countries, including Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The animal welfare paradox
While the decision to ban greyhound racing was widely praised, it also highlighted New Zealand’s paradoxical attitude towards animal welfare. Despite taking a strong stance against greyhound racing, the country will continue to allow the live export of livestock, a controversial practice that exposes animals to long and stressful trips abroad. Animal rights groups have repeatedly condemned live exports, saying they are cruel and inconsistent with New Zealand’s strong animal welfare image.
Additionally, the country lacks comprehensive animal welfare laws, with limited protections for animals kept for food, agriculture, and recreation (not as pets). This discrepancy calls into question the government’s broader commitment to animal welfare. Some may argue that this advance could lead to smoke and mirrors between them. Revocation of ban on live exports From the previous government. Either way, this is a victory for these dogs, but for many activists, banning greyhound racing is both a step forward and a reminder that there is still work to be done.
Congratulations on your progress
New Zealand decides to phase out greyhound racing This is a bold and commendable step for animal welfare. The sport has operated under a cloud of controversy for decades, with numerous reports highlighting the exploitation and abuse of these dogs. The statistics alone are shocking. Thousands were injured and hundreds killed in just a few years. No entertainment or industry can justify such a sacrifice.
The move signals a broader shift in societal values that increasingly prioritizes animal welfare over outdated entertainment. It also sets an example for other countries where greyhound racing remains legal, proving that progress is possible even in a deeply entrenched industry. While it is true that this decision will have an impact on the lives of those involved in sport, the Government’s commitment to a managed transition period and return-to-home initiative demonstrates a balanced approach to addressing these challenges. There is.
New Zealand is establishing itself as a world leader in animal welfare and this decision will no doubt spur further action around the world. For greyhounds who have suffered in silence, this is not just a monumental victory, but a long-awaited release.
what are your thoughts?
We would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Is this enough? Shouldn’t we be doing more? Do you want to own a greyhound?
If you have any feedback, please let us know in the comments section below.
