Joseph Nathan, Staff Writer
In a move that’s sure to rattle cages, the government has announced it will ban greyhound racing in New Zealand, calling time on the sport after mounting concerns over animal welfare and public support.
Chris Hipkins, the Minister for Racing, fronted the decision yesterday, saying the industry’s been on notice for years but hasn’t pulled its weight on reforms. He said greyhound racing has “lost its social licence” and enough is enough. The ban is expected to take effect by 2025, giving the industry time to wind down.
Years of Warnings Ignored
This hasn’t come out of nowhere. Since 2013, there’ve been five separate reviews into greyhound racing, all pointing to serious welfare issues. The most damning? A report last year that revealed staggering injury rates, dodgy rehoming practices, and the unnecessary euthanasia of hundreds of dogs. The government warned then that the leash was tightening.
Animal advocacy groups, who’ve been campaigning for years, say the move is long overdue.
SAFE’s spokesperson, Will Appelbe, called it a “massive win” for the dogs, adding that New Zealand now joins a growing list of countries ditching the sport.
A Divided Reaction
Not everyone’s clapping, though. Racing enthusiasts argue the ban will cost jobs and tear apart communities built around the sport.
Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) says it’s blindsided, claiming it was making progress on reforms.
GRNZ is expected to fight the decision, but it’s hard to see the government backing down when public sentiment has clearly shifted.
The government’s promised a transition plan for the industry, though details are scarce. For the greyhounds themselves, it’s hoped this marks a brighter future. No more races, no more risks—just a chance to be a dog.
Australia’s Greyhound Racing Scene
Across the Tasman, greyhound racing remains legal in Australia, though the industry has faced its share of scrutiny. New South Wales nearly banned the sport in 2016 after a damning inquiry uncovered widespread animal cruelty, including live baiting and high euthanasia rates. While the ban was later reversed following industry promises of reform, animal rights groups continue to push for stricter oversight or an outright ban. For now, greyhound racing remains a fixture in Australia, albeit one under a very watchful eye.
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