SAFE Animal Squad
The Government has delayed its decision on the future of greyhound racing in Aotearoa until after the election. Hundreds of dogs will continue to suffer while our leaders kick the can down the road.
On 2 September 2021, the greyhound racing industry was put formally “on notice” after repeatedly failing to improve animal welfare. Since this announcement, there have been 1,909 injuries, 183 broken bones, and 13 deaths.
Enough is enough; urge Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, Racing Minister Kieran McAnulty and Associate Minister of Agriculture (Animal Welfare) Jo Luxton to take decisive action and ban greyhound racing once and for all. Email them today using our template below:
Racing is inherently dangerous for dogs. In the last racing season, 40% of dogs racing were injured affecting 661 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.
New Zealand is one of only seven countries to still allow commercial dog racing. If the Government allows greyhound racing to continue, we will struggle to defend our reputation for strong animal welfare on the world stage.
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 37,700-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.
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