Victory! On 10 December 2024, Racing Minister Winston Peters announced that greyhound racing in New Zealand will be banned after a 20-month phase-out period.
This decision marks a monumental win for animal rights in Aotearoa and will protect thousands of dogs from unnecessary pain, suffering, and death.
To address immediate concerns, the Minister introduced the Racing Industry (Unlawful Destruction of Specified Greyhounds) Amendment Bill, which will be passed under urgency to prevent the unnecessary killing of racing dogs.
With this ban, the Government has finally honoured the voices of New Zealanders who have long demanded an end to greyhound racing. This victory is a testament to the tireless campaigning efforts of animal advocates and public outcry for the compassionate treatment of greyhounds.
The Government must now ensure a smooth transition for greyhounds, supporting their rehabilitation and rehoming into permanent, loving homes where they belong.
While the announcement of the ban is a significant milestone, greyhounds remain at risk during the phase-out period.
Since 10 December 2024, 211 greyhounds have been injured, 47 greyhounds suffered fractures, and 6 greyhounds have been killed due to racing-related incidents.*
Every injury and death is a stark reminder of why this ban is necessary. SAFE will remain vigilant in holding the industry accountable until greyhound racing is consigned to history.
*Source: Greyhound Racing New Zealand
The fight to end greyhound racing isn’t over yet. Although the ban has been announced, it won’t be official until the Government passes legislation. This process is expected to include a public consultation period, where people will have an opportunity to voice their support for the ban.
SAFE will be there every step of the way to ensure this crucial decision becomes law. Sign up below to receive updates and help us secure a permanent end to greyhound racing in Aotearoa.
This momentous achievement would not have been possible without you—our passionate supporters. Your dedication, generosity, and unwavering belief in justice for greyhounds has made this victory possible.
Together, we are reshaping Aotearoa into a kinder, more compassionate place for animals. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us.
Enter your details below to receive updates on greyhound racing and opportunities to take action with us. Together, we can cement our victory for greyhounds.
On December 10, 2024, Racing Minister Winston Peters announced that greyhound racing in New Zealand will be banned after a 20-month phase-out period. Racing is expected to cease from August 1, 2026.
This landmark decision closes the door on a long legacy of cruelty within the greyhound racing industry, which has seen thousands of dogs maimed and killed in the name of gambling profits.
There are around 3,000 greyhounds in the racing industry, all of whom are at risk of injury, mistreatment, and death until racing is officially banned. Greyhound racing happens year-round in Aotearoa, and there are currently seven tracks throughout the country:
Racing is inherently dangerous for dogs. On any given day at a greyhound race, dogs risk suffering from broken bones, dislocations, ruptured muscles, spinal damage, and wounds. Some dogs are left permanently disabled, and others suffer injuries so catastrophic they must be euthanised.
Multiple investigations into the industry reveal countless issues beyond injuries, including poor kennel conditions and methamphetamine exposure. Even under intense scrutiny, the industry has repeatedly failed to demonstrate that they can prioritise the health and welfare of dogs.
Until the recent ban, New Zealand was one of only five countries to still allow commercial dog racing.
Greyhounds are among the most misunderstood dog breeds. It is a misconception that they are high energy and require lots of exercise. The truth is that while they do enjoy short bursts of activity, the rest of the time they love to nap and cuddle.
Greyhounds are well known for being the fastest dogs on the planet ‒ reaching speeds of up to almost 70 kilometres per hour. Their long, lean bodies carry little fat, which is why you‘ll sometimes see them wearing specially made greyhound pyjamas in winter. Sadly, it’s for this reason that the racing industry uses these placid, gentle dogs.
Greyhound racing exists because of a drive for gambling profits, not because greyhounds love to race.
The social license of greyhound racing has well and truly expired in New Zealand.
In August 2021, SAFE and the Greyhound Protection League of New Zealand presented a 38,000-signature petition calling for a ban on greyhound racing in Aotearoa. An independent poll showed that 74% of New Zealanders would vote to ban greyhound racing in a referendum. Corporate sponsorships are also dwindling, with Ray White, Toyota NZ, Ricoh, First Security and the Motor Trade Association all withdrawing their support of the industry.
This public sentiment is mirrored by clear political consensus. The Green Party has long championed a ban and in March 2024, the Labour Party officially endorsed the call to end greyhound racing. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has also acknowledged that the industry should be brought to an end. Ultimately, the National-NZ First-ACT coalition government formally announced an end to greyhound racing after the industry consistently failed to improve animal welfare.
Greyhound racing continues in Australia, Ireland, and the UK, while the USA is down to just two tracks in West Virginia. But the global movement to protect greyhounds is gaining momentum. In the UK, a petition with over 100,000 signatures has called for a ban, and in February 2025, Wales became the first UK nation to outlaw greyhound racing. Welsh Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies acknowledged bans in other countries, including New Zealand’s, as a key factor in the decision.
As a charity, SAFE is reliant on the support of caring people like you to carry out our valuable work. Every gift goes towards providing education, undertaking research and campaigning for the benefit of all animals. SAFE is a registered charity in New Zealand (CC 40428). Contributions of $5 or more are tax-deductible.
