At least two chartered flights carrying up to 150 greyhounds are set to fly to Australia’s eastern states as New Zealand’s ban on the sport takes effect.
Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) says several trainers are moving dogs to Australian tracks to continue racing; the federation will cover flight costs, while owners and trainers bear other expenses.
Australia classifies imported greyhounds as “companion animals” and will screen them for diseases such as rabies, according to its bio‑security rules.
New Zealand official Winston Peters criticised the relocation as an “end‑gasp action” of a dying industry, noting that most of the 1,300‑1,400 dogs will be re‑homed rather than exported.
Queensland and Victorian authorities say they are not aware of specific relocation plans, but the industry’s economic scale is vastly different: Australia’s greyhound industry was worth almost A$2 billion in 2022‑23, compared with New Zealand’s $147 million.
Former greyhound owners have already moved dozens of dogs to Australia, with 80 dogs sent in a charter flight in April 2025, logistics experts warn of a re‑homing crisis and the need for better regulations.
