New Zealand to Stop Greyhound Racing by 2026 Due to Animal Safety Issues

New Zealand plans to end greyhound racing by August 2026 pointing to ongoing safety problems for the animals. This choice comes after years of pushback and several probes that showed many dogs got hurt or died in races, and some breeders did not treat them well.

Deputy PM Peters Calls for End to Greyhound Racing

Deputy Prime Minister and Racing Minister Winston Peters said that even though the greyhound racing world had gotten better, too many dogs still got hurt, reported Sky News. The government pointed to the dogs’ health as the main concern, a step he stressed was much-needed.

To make the transition easier, the government will end the industry over the next 20 months. In this time, around 2,900 racing greyhounds will find new homes with help from animal welfare groups. Additionally, new laws will stop the needless putting down of racing dogs unless a vet says it is necessary. This step aims to stop the practice of killing dogs just because they do not make money anymore.

The decision has gained support from groups fighting for animal rights, like Safe and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). These groups have pushed to ban the sport for a long time. They point out that the industry did not fix safety and welfare issues even after many warnings from the government. 

Dr. Arnja Dale, SPCA’s Chief Scientific Officer, praised the government. She said they made a kind choice based on facts. She hopes other countries that still allow greyhound racing will do the same.

Industry Leaders Criticize New Zealand’s Decision to Ban the Sport

The announcement has stunned the industry. Greyhound Racing New Zealand, which speaks for racing clubs across the country, slammed the decision. They said it ignored the changes the sector had put in place. 

Sean Hannan, who leads the group, claimed the industry had made big steps to improve animal welfare. This included better tracking and care for dogs after they retire. He worried about how the ban would affect the 1,000 people who work full-time in the sector. He also pointed out the cultural gap the closure might leave behind.

On a global scale, New Zealand adds to the growing number of places that are putting a stop to greyhound racing. The sport still exists in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia, although it is not as popular as it once was. In the US, for instance, two tracks are still open after many others have shut down across different states.

As New Zealand gets ready to implement the ban, the government has committed to collaborate with everyone involved to ensure a smooth shift for both the dogs and the people whose jobs will be affected. For those who fight for animal rights, this choice is a big win in their efforts to end the use of greyhounds for entertainment purposes.