The government of New Zealand has made waves with its recent announcement to phase out greyhound racing over the next 20 months, primarily driven by concerns related to the welfare of the animals involved. Racing Minister Winston Peters stated, "This is not a decision taken lightly but is driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs." This move reflects the growing scrutiny and consistent criticism the industry has faced concerning the treatment of racing dogs. The decision brings New Zealand closer to aligning with other countries where such practices have been deemed unacceptable.
New Zealand is one of only five nations worldwide where commercial greyhound racing is still permitted. This decision, announced by Peters, has significant ramifications for the industry, which employs over 1,000 people and forms 8.5 percent of the country’s NZ$1.3 billion racing industry. Despite substantial pressure from animal rights organizations and the public, the greyhound racing community has insisted they have strived to improve conditions for the dogs.
According to the government, the industry has been under the microscope for several years due to persistent issues, including high rates of injuries among racing dogs. Peters noted, "While fewer dogs are dying, the percentage of injuries remains unacceptably high." This announcement marks the culmination of years of assessments and recommendations aimed at reforming the industry to prioritize animal welfare.
Peters elaborated on the government’s immediate actions following the announcement. They are working to implement the Racing Industry (Unlawful Destruction of Specified Greyhounds) Amendment Bill, which seeks to prevent unnecessary euthanasia of racing dogs during this transition period. He commented, "The key task will be the rehoming of the estimated 2,900 racing greyhounds currently active in New Zealand." Progress has already begun with the appointment of an advisory committee focused on facilitating this process.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from different factions within and outside the industry. On one hand, animal rights advocates hailed the decision as groundbreaking progress and called it “a monumental win for animal rights” in New Zealand. SAFE’s campaign manager, Emma Brodie, expressed her relief and appreciation for the government's decision, acknowledging it as reflective of societal evolution toward animal welfare.
Conversely, members of the greyhound racing community have voiced their deep disappointment, with Greyhound Racing New Zealand's chief executive Edward Rennell sharing his organization's distress. He argued, "The greyhound racing community is devastated by the decision, as we believe we have made huge strides over the past two years concerning animal welfare. This is very disappointing for us as it overlooks our progress and commitment to animal well-being."
Advocates for animal welfare have long pointed to the challenges faced by racing dogs, persistently highlighting the need for reform. Previous inquiries, including three significant reviews over the last decade, have repeatedly recommended substantial changes to improve standards. Reports cited by critics indicated transactional neglect and instances of abuse within the industry. For example, reports indicated over 2,500 injuries and nearly 30 fatalities logged by animal rights organizations like SAFE between 2021 and 2023.
Despite the criticisms and emotional pleas from advocates, the greyhound racing sector countered the claims pointing to recent improvements. Rennell stated the industry's current injury rates were on par with international benchmarks and significantly lower than those recorded for horse racing. He added, "We have been providing quarterly reports to the minister on animal welfare improvements, so the resistance to engage in dialogue around the future of our industry has felt disheartening."
Peters emphasized the government's intent to move forward, asserting, "We will constructively engage with stakeholders to facilitate the transition and rehoming processes for the greyhounds. The well-being of these animals remains the utmost priority." This rehoming project not only aims to find homes for racing dogs but also involves working with various animal welfare organizations to support the campaign.
With change looming on the horizon, many are now left pondering what the future holds for the greyhound racing industry. The cultural and economic impact of the decision is palpable, especially for those who have spent years dedicates to nurturing and racing these dogs. Peters acknowledged the emotional weight of the announcement, stating, "Stopping greyhound racing is the right thing to do, it is uncomfortable but necessary."
For many, the impending ban signals the end of an era; yet, for others, it serves as the beginning of a transformative path toward greater awareness and compassion for animals within the entertainment industry.