New Zealand's government has announced a ban on greyhound racing, highlighting concerns over animal welfare and a troubling number of injuries and deaths within the industry.
New Zealand to Implement Nationwide Ban on Greyhound Racing
New Zealand to Implement Nationwide Ban on Greyhound Racing
The government cites animal welfare and high injury rates as primary reasons for the decision
Following persistent criticism, New Zealand has officially declared plans to ban greyhound racing due to an "unacceptably high" rate of injuries among the racing dogs. Racing Minister Winston Peters stated that recent progress in the industry wasn't enough to improve the situation, noting that "the percentage of dogs being injured remains persistently high."
The ban will unfold over the next 20 months, allowing time for the rehoming of approximately 2,900 racing dogs currently in the industry, as well as giving those employed in greyhound racing an opportunity to transition into new livelihoods. Peters emphasized that the decision prioritizes the welfare of the animals, reflecting a deep concern for their treatment.
The introduction of a bill aimed at preventing the unnecessary euthanasia of racing dogs was also announced, which is expected to be enacted urgently. Over the past decade, three separate reviews of the greyhound racing sector recommended significant reforms, yet injuries and deaths continued at alarming rates. In 2021 alone, local media reported that 232 racing greyhounds died, and an additional 900 were injured.
Animal welfare advocates have hailed the government's decision as a significant victory for animal rights, with organizations like Safe celebrating the announcement as a "monumental win." The SPCA expressed their delight, urging other nations to consider similar moves.
Conversely, the industry itself expressed deep disappointment, with Greyhound Racing New Zealand describing the announcement as devastating. Association chairman Sean Hannan articulated concerns that the ban would create a cultural and economic void, given that greyhound racing constitutes 8.5% of New Zealand's NZ$1.3 billion racing industry, providing over 1,000 full-time jobs.
As the country moves towards implementing this ban, the discussions around animal welfare are likely to continue to resonate beyond New Zealand's borders, drawing attention to practices in other nations that allow greyhound racing.
The ban will unfold over the next 20 months, allowing time for the rehoming of approximately 2,900 racing dogs currently in the industry, as well as giving those employed in greyhound racing an opportunity to transition into new livelihoods. Peters emphasized that the decision prioritizes the welfare of the animals, reflecting a deep concern for their treatment.
The introduction of a bill aimed at preventing the unnecessary euthanasia of racing dogs was also announced, which is expected to be enacted urgently. Over the past decade, three separate reviews of the greyhound racing sector recommended significant reforms, yet injuries and deaths continued at alarming rates. In 2021 alone, local media reported that 232 racing greyhounds died, and an additional 900 were injured.
Animal welfare advocates have hailed the government's decision as a significant victory for animal rights, with organizations like Safe celebrating the announcement as a "monumental win." The SPCA expressed their delight, urging other nations to consider similar moves.
Conversely, the industry itself expressed deep disappointment, with Greyhound Racing New Zealand describing the announcement as devastating. Association chairman Sean Hannan articulated concerns that the ban would create a cultural and economic void, given that greyhound racing constitutes 8.5% of New Zealand's NZ$1.3 billion racing industry, providing over 1,000 full-time jobs.
As the country moves towards implementing this ban, the discussions around animal welfare are likely to continue to resonate beyond New Zealand's borders, drawing attention to practices in other nations that allow greyhound racing.
