The Government of New Zealand will introduce legislation next year to prohibit greyhound racing and end the high injury rate within the sport.
The move follows increasing public criticism of dog racing in recent years, with three reviews over the last decade in New Zealand all recommending significant changes.
The government’s plan is to wind down greyhound racing over a 20-month period in order to allow time for racing dogs to be rehomed, and to provide a transition period for those involved in the sport.
“This is not a decision that is taken lightly but is ultimately driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs,” said New Zealand Racing minister Winston Peters.
“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.
“We acknowledge the work done by Greyhound Racing New Zealand to improve safety. While fewer dogs are dying, injury rates, while down slightly, have plateaued and remain unacceptably high.
“Beginning the process today we are introducing the Racing Industry (Unlawful Destruction of Specified Greyhounds) Amendment Bill, which will be passed under urgency to prevent the unnecessary killing of racing dogs,” Peters added.
“Further legislation to enable the end to greyhound racing is required. A bill to make the necessary changes to the Racing Industry Act 2020 will be introduced to Parliament in 2025.”
Peters confirmed that a committee will be formed to manage the rehoming of racing dogs once the bill has been passed.
Heather Simpson has been provisionally made chair of this committee and will be joined by Murray Johnson and Lindsay Burton.