New Zealand to Outlaw Greyhound Racing Due to High Injury and Death Rates 'in the Best Interest of the Animals'

Mar. 15, 2025

Greyhound racing.Photo:Sandra Mu/Getty

Sandra Mu/Getty

New Zealand plans to ban greyhound racing.

The New Zealand government’s decision comes in response to an “unacceptably high” rate of injuries, per theBBC. The sport, which has already been outlawed in most countries, has long been contested within the country.

Greyhound racing.Sandra Mu/Getty

The sport has already grown unpopular in the country, according to the AP. Some breeders have been accused of mistreating the dogs or doping them.

Racing greyhounds are often euthanized, either due to injuries sustained in races or because no one will take them in, per the AP.

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The next task is to find homes for the estimated 2,900 greyhounds in the country. An advisory committee has already been assigned to work on the process, Martin said.

“The Committee members are Heather Simpson (Chair), Murray Johnson and Lindsay Burton. They will provide advice on ensuring animal welfare, and support for those involved in the industry," Martin’s statement read. “Keeping unwanted dogs safe is a priority. The Government is working with animal welfare organisations to establish programmes to support rehoming,”

Commercial greyhound racing remains legal in four other countries: Australia, Ireland, the U.K. and the U.S. In the U.S., only two greyhound race tracks remain active, both in West Virginia.

source: people.com