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New Zealand plans to ban greyhound racing
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New Zealand's government has announced plans to ban greyhound racing due to concerns over animal welfare, citing an "unacceptably high" rate of injuries and deaths. The decision was made to protect the welfare of racing dogs, with legislation to be passed under urgency. The ban is set to take effect over the next 20 months, with the industry to be wound down. Greyhound Racing New Zealand has expressed concerns that hundreds of trainers, breeders, and industry employees will lose their jobs. Commercial greyhound racing is still allowed in Australia, Ireland, the UK, and the US. Independent reports have found a high number of healthy dogs were euthanized by trainers, contributing to the growing public distaste for the sport.
We are faced with two options: continue under strict conditions, or closure.
Successive reports highlighting the cruelty, mistreatment and neglect in the industry were left to gather dust as successive governments kicked the can down the road.
The time has come to make a call in the best interest of the animals.
Keeping unwanted dogs safe is a priority. The government is working with animal welfare organisations to establish programmes to support rehoming.
We believe that greyhound racing as an industry has taken huge, huge strides over the last two years and is leading the way in the racing industry from an animal welfare perspective, so the decision today is clearly very disappointing.
We have a euthanasia policy where individuals can't euthanase the dog unless it's for genuine welfare reasons, so the legislation is unnecessary for licensed people.
This decision is not just about the sport – it affects families, businesses, and communities who have dedicated their lives to caring for and racing greyhounds.
The government's decision to close the industry is profoundly disappointing, as it overlooks the meaningful progress we have achieved.
The greyhound racing community is left reeling from the announcement, with many voicing concerns over the potential cultural and economic void this decision will create.
We think this decision to phase out greyhound racing reflects a growing recognition that New Zealanders won't stand for cruelty disguised as entertainment.
This marks an end of an era of exploitation and a monumental win for animal rights in Aotearoa.
Thank you for listening to evidence, experts and the New Zealand public. Thank you for paving the way for these dogs to live a good life.
We acknowledge the decisive decision by Minister Winston Peters to do what should have been done years ago.
sources
perspectives
countries
organizations
- 1.National Council of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- 2.Labour Party
- 3.Green Party
- 4.HUHA
- 5.Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds
- 6.Greyhound Racing New Zealand
- 7.Holyrood
- 8.Supporting Abortions for Everyone