By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Greyhound racing in New Zealand will be phased out over the next 20 months, with the final race anticipated in July 2026. This decision, driven by persistent concerns over animal welfare and high injury rates, follows years of critical reports revealing significant numbers of dog deaths and injuries. Urgent legislation is being enacted to prevent the unnecessary killing of racing dogs during the transition. The government, collaborating with animal welfare organizations, will facilitate the rehoming of approximately 2900 racing dogs.
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New Zealand’s recent announcement of a ban on greyhound racing is fantastic news for animal welfare advocates worldwide. The decision, while celebrated, also highlights the complex issues surrounding the phasing out of such a long-standing practice. The gradual approach, spanning 20 months, acknowledges the need to rehome the approximately 2900 racing dogs currently involved in the industry. This transition period aims to prevent the tragic fate that often befalls retired or injured racing animals, a fate many have witnessed firsthand through the heartbreaking accounts of underweight, injured, and traumatized dogs rescued from racing tracks.
The sheer number of animals involved, around 2900, underscores the scale of the challenge in rehoming. While organizations like the SPCA express hope for successful rehoming efforts, their published position on euthanasia for unhomed animals adds a layer of complexity and concern. The reported nine dogs euthanized due to racing injuries in the most recent season, though a small fraction of the total, sadly represents only the most visible part of a much larger problem. Many more suffer injuries that, while not immediately fatal, impact their quality of life and future prospects within the racing industry. The question remains: what happens to the hundreds of dogs that are deemed unable to race each year? The grim reality is that, for many, the ultimate outcome is euthanasia.
The decision to ban greyhound racing reflects a growing public awareness and concern regarding animal welfare. A recent survey by the SPCA revealed overwhelming public support for a ban, with three-quarters of New Zealanders favoring it. This widespread sentiment suggests a significant shift in societal attitudes towards animal treatment and the ethics of using animals for entertainment. Yet, the lack of a public referendum, while typical in many countries, raises questions for some about democratic processes and accountability. The reality is that governmental policy-making often takes place within the confines of parliament, and referendums, even if overwhelmingly successful, are not always binding. It is also vital to remember that, while a referendum might express popular opinion, it does not necessarily guarantee immediate action from the government.
The move towards a ban also necessitates a critical examination of breeding practices. The sheer number of dogs involved in greyhound racing points to a significant level of breeding that will likely need to be addressed to prevent a surplus of dogs in the future. The ideal scenario would be a cessation of breeding until shelters are empty and demand significantly outweighs supply.
This greyhound racing ban doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Many have used this as an opportunity to highlight similar concerns surrounding other animal industries. Concerns about the treatment of farm animals for food production, for example, are rightfully raised. While the scale and nature of the issues differ, the underlying principles of animal welfare and ethical treatment are common threads connecting these diverse areas. The parallel drawn with research using animals also holds weight. New Zealand, like many countries, still engages in animal testing, a practice which, for many, raises severe ethical questions about the value placed on animal life.
The success of the ban hinges not just on the rehoming efforts but also on long-term policy changes that address the root causes of animal suffering. While the ban is a victory for animal rights activists, it is only a first step. The focus now shifts to ensuring the welfare of the existing racing dogs and preventing the emergence of similar situations with other breeds or industries. The experience of Australia, where some jurisdictions have implemented no-put-down policies for retired racing dogs, offers a promising model for other countries to emulate. The long-term vision should be an end to practices that prioritize profit over animal welfare. It’s a complex issue, intertwined with economic considerations and ingrained societal norms, but the progress being made in New Zealand is a testament to the power of collective action and a growing recognition of the inherent worth of animals.