New Zealand bans greyhound racing after the game confronted backlash over ‘unacceptably excessive’ charges of accidents

New Zealand’s government officials are taking steps to ban greyhound racing in the country, with the government announcing that plans are in place to shut down the sport in 2026.

Racing Minister Winston Peters cited that the decision was based on the ‘unacceptably high’ rate of injury and deaths to dogs in recent years.

While injury and mortality rates had come down after the government put industry bodies on notice back in 2021, ministers given racing bodies a 20-month transition period until the ban officially comes into effect.

During that period, racing organisations and government bodies will need to rehome 3,000 greyhounds in the country.

‘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,’ Peters, who is also the country’s deputy Prime Minister, said.

Large investment and work has been done within the industry over the past three years to improve its commitment to animal welfare, with Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) chairman Sean Hannan calling the ban a ‘devastating blow’.

The New Zealand government are set to introduce a ban on greyhound racing that will come into effect in 2026 

Racing Minister Winston Peters cited that the decision was based on the ‘unacceptably high’ rate of injury and deaths to dogs in recent years

‘We are extremely disappointed that the Government has not recognised the work the industry has done to address areas of concern – to the extent that it now leads the wider racing industry with its commitment to animal welfare,’ Hannan said.

‘Over recent years, GRNZ has implemented stringent regulations governing breeding, rehoming, and euthanasia, aiming to exceed the standards set by New Zealand’s animal welfare legislation.

‘The organisation has placed animal welfare at the core of its operations, advocating for the continuation of greyhound racing under strict oversight.’

It is understood that 1,000 citizens are currently employed on a full-time basis within the industry, with New Zealand, along with Australia, Ireland, the UK and the US, being one of a handful of nations where dog racing is still permitted.

‘The decision has far-reaching implications for the industry’s trainers, breeders, owners and there are more than 1,000 employees, ancillary industries, and hundreds of volunteers connected to greyhound racing,’ Hannan added.

‘It is not just about the sport; it affects families, businesses, and communities who have dedicated their lives to caring for and racing greyhounds.’

Hannan went on to call the government’s decision to shut down racing in New Zealand ‘profoundly disappointing’ claiming it ‘overlooked the meaningful progress that we have achieved.’ He urged the government to reconsider its decision.

The industry has faced criticism in recent years from animal welfare activists, with over 12,751 people in the country having signed a Change.org petition to end dog racing in New Zealand.

Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) chairman Sean Hannan called the ban a ‘devastating blow’

‘We are extremely disappointed that the Government has not recognised the work the industry has done to address areas of concern,’ Hannan said/

Peters took to social media to explain that the decision to ban the sport had not been taken lightly

In 2021, the New Zealand government issued warnings to racing bodies with the Robertson Review highlighting concerns relating to transparency and animal welfare in the industry.

Sir Bruce Robertson subsequently informed GRNZ that ‘continued incidents impacting dog welfare were unacceptable and the industry’s social license was increasingly at risk.’

The white paper added that if those areas could be improved within the sport then there was a chance ‘the industry could continue in New Zealand despite vocal pressure’.

The Racing Integrity Board (RIB) has been assessing the future of the industry, and while some progress has been made, significant changes have been recommended.

‘While fewer dogs are dying, injury rates, while down slightly, have plateaued and remain unacceptably high,’ he added.

‘Keeping unwanted dogs safe is a priority – the government is working with animal welfare organisations to establish programs to support rehoming,’ Peters said.

New Zealand’s leading animal rights charity, SAFE, have been vocal in their calls for dog racing to be banned in the country, claiming the government’s decision is a ‘monumental win’, adding the move ‘will protect thousands of dogs from unnecessary pain, suffering and death.’

In recent months, the organisation had, alongside the SPCA, DogWatch and HUHA had issued a joint statement to the state calling for a ban on the sport. In their notice, the organisations cited a poll conducted by the SPCA which claims 74 per cent of New Zealanders would vote to ban greyhound racing.

Animal rights activists have celebrated the decision, with charity SAFE, calling it a ‘monumental win’ 

Green Party animal welfare and racing spokesperson, Steve Abel, added: ‘This is a great day for the welfare of greyhounds, they have a right to live without suffering.

‘An overwhelming majority of New Zealanders–three quarters, in the latest SPCA polling–have long called for the greyhound racing industry to end.

‘As part of today’s announcement, a Bill to prohibit unauthorised euthanasia has been introduced. We welcome this.’

Abel added: ‘Successive reports highlighting the cruelty, mistreatment, and neglect in the industry, were left to gather dust as successive governments kicked the can down the road. We acknowledge the decisive decision by Minister Winston Peters to do what should have been done years ago.’