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Greyhound racing

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Justice for greyhounds!

Aotearoa bans greyhound racing

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. 

Our work isn’t done yet

While the announcement of the ban is a significant milestone, greyhound racing will continue during the 20-month phase-out period. The lives of greyhounds remain at risk until the ban is fully enacted into law.

SAFE is actively tracking the harm inflicted on dogs since the ban was announced, and the numbers* paint a grim picture. Since 10 December 2024, 105 greyhounds have been injured, 27 greyhounds suffered fractures, and 3 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

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What happens next?

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.

Thank you!

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. The battle is not yet won, but with your continued support, we will make sure it is.

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Frequently asked questions

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:

  • Manukau Stadium (Auckland)
  • Cambridge Raceway (Waikato)
  • Hatrick Raceway (Wanganui) and Wanganui Straight Track
  • Manuwatu Raceway (Palmerston North)
  • Addington Raceway (Christchurch)
  • Ascot Park Raceway (Southland)

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 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.

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.

A petition with over 100,000 signatures to ban greyhound racing has been recently submitted to the UK government.

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