Greyhound racing is banned in Aotearoa

On 2 April 2026, the Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Bill passed by a landslide majority. This means from 1 August 2026, greyhounds will no longer be forced to race for gambling profits, bringing an end to an industry responsible for decades of suffering.
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What happens now?

Before the ban, around 3,000 dogs were used by the greyhound racing industry every year in New Zealand. Now that racing has ended, around 1,500 greyhounds are looking for their forever homes.  

This ban gives them a chance. A chance at a life free from suffering and exploitation, as beloved companions and members of our whānau.  

Greyhounds make wonderful companions. Despite their reputation for speed, they’re often called “the world’s fastest couch potato” thanks to their chill, laid-back nature. They’re gentle, affectionate, and just as happy lounging on the sofa as they are heading out for a walk – making them a great fit for a wide range of families and lifestyles. 

If you’re thinking of welcoming a dog into your home anytime soon, please consider adopting or fostering a greyhound. 

How people-power won for greyhounds

We did this together. 

This historic win belongs to everyone who spoke up for greyhounds. Your support – from signing petitions and taking action, to donating and sharing messages of support – made this all possible.  

Countless dogs will be spared from the cruelties of racing because of our collective voice. 

After years of campaigning, industry monitoring, and investigations, this win was ultimately made possible by supporters across the country who spoke up for greyhounds.  

Together, we are challenging the systems that harm animals

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we’ll keep advocating for change. While we celebrate this important win, building a better world for animals continues. With you alongside us, we’ll keep holding our Government and animal welfare systems accountable and calling out cruelty wherever it exists. 

Thank you for being a part of this movement.   

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Thanks to support from people like you, we can power investigations, public awareness campaigns and actions that accelerate progress for animals, and challenge the systems that harm them.