Greyhound Ban in New Zealand Sparks Australian Relocation Scheme

New Zealand’s latest anti‑animal‑rights legislation has officially outlawed greyhound racing, a move that is set to take effect on Saturday. In a rush to preserve the sport’s stakeholders, Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) is chartering two flights carrying up to 150 dogs to Australia’s eastern states, where the sport remains legal for the foreseeable future.

GRNZ reports that the ban, legislated in April after a 2024 review found rates of injury and death too high, will retire approximately 1,400 greyhounds. While a small fraction will be relocated for racing, the vast majority will be rehomed over the next two years, officials say.

Australian authorities classify the incoming greyhounds as "companion animals" and will perform standard disease‑screening tests for conditions such as rabies. This process, noted by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, ensures biosecurity risk rather than intent or use is considered.

Industry voices are split. Racing Minister Winston Peters called the relocation a "last gasp" of a dying industry, citing loss of social licence. GRNZ, led by chief executive Edward Rennell, counters that trainers are moving to Australia if they wish, with costs split between GRNZ (flights) and owners/trainers (other fees).

• Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria combined generated almost A$2 bn in 2022‑23, dwarfing New Zealand’s $147 m.
• Australia largely allows greyhound racing, though the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania plan phased bans.
• Globally, Scotland, Wales, and many U.S. states have outlawed commercial dog racing.
• Over 2,000 retired greyhounds have already been sent overseas, according to the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds.

Noted seer Mei‑Fang Faruqi of the Greens expressed concerns over loopholes permitting the export of racing dogs to Australia, a country that has not yet tightened import controls for greyhounds. The Greyhound Transition Agency, overseeing the industry’s closure in New Zealand, declined to comment further on relocation arrangements.