Government announces plan to phase out greyhound racing due to high injury rates.
Racing Minister Winston Peters has announced the Government's intention to end greyhound racing in New Zealand, citing concerns over animal welfare. The decision follows years of reviews and recommendations for significant changes within the industry.
According to Peters, despite improvements made by Greyhound Racing New Zealand, the percentage of injured dogs remains persistently high. The Greyhound industry has been on notice since animal welfare concerns were first raised several years ago.
A 20-month transition period will be implemented to allow for the rehoming of racing dogs and provide a smooth exit for those involved in the industry. A bill to amend the Racing Industry Act 2020 is expected to be introduced to Parliament in 2025, with a full select committee process allowing for public input.
The estimated 2,900 racing greyhounds in New Zealand will require rehoming, with an Advisory Committee appointed to oversee the transition and ensure animal welfare. The Government is working with animal welfare organisations to establish programmes supporting rehoming and keeping unwanted dogs safe.