The decision comes amid animal welfare concerns, with the number of dogs being injured in the sport being “persistently high”, according to Racing Minister Winston Peters.
Greyhound racing will be wound down over a 20-month period to enable the rehoming of racing dogs and to provide a transition period for people involved in the industry.
“This is not a decision that is taken lightly but is ultimately driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs,” Peters said.
“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.”
Peters noted there have been three reviews into the industry over the past decade, all of which recommended significant changes to improve animal welfare.
“We acknowledge the work done by Greyhound Racing New Zealand to improve safety,” he said.
“While fewer dogs are dying, injury rates, while down slightly, have plateaued and remain unacceptably high.”
To begin the process of the ban, the Government is introducing the Racing Industry (Unlawful Destruction of Specified Greyhounds) Amendment Bill to be passed under urgency to prevent the unnecessary killing of racing dogs.
“Further legislation to enable the end to greyhound racing is required,” Peters said.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) chair Sean Hannan says the decision is a “devastating blow” to the industry.
“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,” Hannan said.
In a statement responding to the news, GRNZ said it has implemented stringent regulations governing breeding, rehoming and euthanasia, aiming to exceed the standards set by New Zealand’s animal welfare legislation.
GRNZ said the decision has far-reaching implications for the industry’s trainers, breeders, owners, employees, ancillary industries, and volunteers connected to greyhound racing.
“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.
Meanwhile, the SPCA is “ecstatic” about the ban, saying the decision marks a hard-fought victory.
“Thank you, Mr. Peters, for making this challenging but right decision for greyhounds and for showing compassion for dogs made to work in a dangerous gambling industry,” said SPCA’s Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Arnja Dale.
“Thank you for listening to evidence, experts and the New Zealand public. Thank you for paving the way for these dogs to live a good life.”
