New Zealand’s move to outlaw greyhound racing marks a significant shift towards animal rights advocacy, as the government aims to phase out the industry and secure futures for the dogs involved.
New Zealand Sets Historic Ban on Greyhound Racing
New Zealand Sets Historic Ban on Greyhound Racing
Government prioritizes animal welfare amid high injury rates in the controversial sport.
The country of New Zealand has officially declared its intention to prohibit greyhound racing within the next 20 months, attributing the decision to an "unacceptably high" injury rate among the animals involved. The controversial sport has faced longstanding opposition, with allegations of mistreatment and doping among breeders. The government's announcement comes with plans to ensure the rehoming of racing dogs and provide support for professionals transitioning out of the industry.
Racing Minister Winston Peters stated, "Despite the improvements within the greyhound racing sector, the number of injuries remains worryingly high. Hence, we must prioritize the welfare of these dogs.” The government has already introduced legislation designed to prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of racing dogs, while further bills will be enacted to officially end greyhound racing.
New Zealand has conducted several reviews of the greyhound racing industry over the past decade, all pointing to the need for major reforms. Data from 2021 reveals that 232 racing greyhounds died and 900 sustained injuries, prompting the government to place the industry "on notice." Animal rights organization Safe reported over 2,500 injuries and nearly 30 deaths in just over two years, subsequently intensifying calls for change.
As the government prepares for the industry’s closure, the focus will shift to rehoming approximately 2,900 racing greyhounds currently in the country. Advocacy groups, including Safe and the SPCA, have praised this decision, viewing it as a monumental victory for animal rights. They are now urging other nations that permit greyhound racing to follow suit.
Conversely, Greyhound Racing New Zealand expressed devastation over the government’s proposal, with chairman Sean Hannan indicating that the decision could leave a significant cultural and economic gap. The greyhound racing sector represents about 8.5% of New Zealand's NZ$1.3 billion racing industry and provides over 1,000 full-time jobs. Hannan urged the government to reconsider its stance, emphasizing the progress made by the industry to improve animal welfare standards.
Racing Minister Winston Peters stated, "Despite the improvements within the greyhound racing sector, the number of injuries remains worryingly high. Hence, we must prioritize the welfare of these dogs.” The government has already introduced legislation designed to prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of racing dogs, while further bills will be enacted to officially end greyhound racing.
New Zealand has conducted several reviews of the greyhound racing industry over the past decade, all pointing to the need for major reforms. Data from 2021 reveals that 232 racing greyhounds died and 900 sustained injuries, prompting the government to place the industry "on notice." Animal rights organization Safe reported over 2,500 injuries and nearly 30 deaths in just over two years, subsequently intensifying calls for change.
As the government prepares for the industry’s closure, the focus will shift to rehoming approximately 2,900 racing greyhounds currently in the country. Advocacy groups, including Safe and the SPCA, have praised this decision, viewing it as a monumental victory for animal rights. They are now urging other nations that permit greyhound racing to follow suit.
Conversely, Greyhound Racing New Zealand expressed devastation over the government’s proposal, with chairman Sean Hannan indicating that the decision could leave a significant cultural and economic gap. The greyhound racing sector represents about 8.5% of New Zealand's NZ$1.3 billion racing industry and provides over 1,000 full-time jobs. Hannan urged the government to reconsider its stance, emphasizing the progress made by the industry to improve animal welfare standards.
