New Zealand's Landmark Decision to Ban Greyhound Racing: A Shift in Animal Welfare Policy

New Zealand is set to outlaw greyhound racing due to alarming injury rates and animal welfare concerns. The government aims for a gradual shutdown to facilitate the rehoming of affected dogs and support displaced workers. While animal rights advocates celebrate, industry representatives express concern over economic impacts.

New Zealand has taken a significant step by announcing plans to ban greyhound racing, citing an “unacceptably high” injury rate among the animals involved in the sport. This announcement comes after years of criticism directed towards the greyhound racing industry, with allegations of mistreatment and doping of dogs by some breeders. The government intends to phase out the industry over the next 20 months, providing time for the rehoming of racing dogs and assisting individuals in transitioning to alternative employment.

Apart from New Zealand, greyhound racing continues in several countries, including Australia, Ireland, the UK, and the US. Racing Minister Winston Peters articulated the government’s decision, stating, “Despite significant progress made by the greyhound racing industry in recent years, the percentage of dogs being injured remains persistently high. The time has come to make a call in the best interest of the animals.” He emphasized that this decision prioritizes the welfare of racing dogs, and announced that measures would be introduced to prevent the unnecessary killing of these animals.

Over the past decade, there have been three reviews of the greyhound racing industry in New Zealand, all recommending substantial changes. In 2021, a reported 232 racing greyhounds died, and 900 sustained injuries. Following the government’s warning in September of that year, the injury and death toll persisted. Animal rights group SAFE documented over 2,500 injuries and nearly 30 fatalities within the subsequent two-and-a-half years.

A critical challenge moving forward will be to rehome approximately 2,900 racing greyhounds currently in the country. Animal rights organizations, which have long contested the continuation of greyhound racing, applauded the announcement. SAFE described it as a “monumental win for animal rights,” while New Zealand’s oldest animal welfare charity, SPCA, expressed its elation and urged other nations that permit greyhound racing to follow New Zealand’s lead.

Conversely, Greyhound Racing New Zealand, which represents various racing clubs throughout the country, voiced its devastation regarding the proposal. Chairman Sean Hannan highlighted the cultural and economic void the decision could create for the community engaged in the sport. Statistics indicate greyhound racing comprises 8.5% of New Zealand’s NZ$1.3 billion (approximately $760 million or £595) racing industry, supporting just over 1,000 full-time jobs.

Hannan expressed disappointment in the government's decision, noting it overlooks the meaningful progress the industry has made. As New Zealand pivots towards reinforcing animal welfare, the implications for the greyhound racing landscape will undoubtedly resonate across various facets of society.