Greyhound racing in New Zealand is approaching a government-mandated shutdown, expected to take effect by August. While legislation to close the sport has advanced, industry leaders stress that key transition details remain unclear.
Late last year, the Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Bill passed its first reading. A parliamentary select committee recommended the closure while suggesting the TAB continue to accept bets on international greyhound races after domestic events end.
Edward Rennell, chief executive of Greyhound Racing New Zealand, highlighted ongoing uncertainty, telling RNZ: “We’re only four and a half months out now and there’s a tremendous lot of work and there’s a lot of uncertainty in terms of how things are going to work from 1 August and further clarity is required for our industry participants.”
The closure also raises the challenge of rehoming a large number of dogs. Rennell said that as of July 31, around 1,600 greyhounds will still need new homes.
Industry Reaction to Select Committee Findings
Rennell expressed disappointment with the committee’s recommendation, noting that industry submissions had emphasized recent welfare improvements.“We felt the greyhound industry and the people that submitted clearly outlined why we didn’t believe there were grounds for closure and the tremendous progress the industry has made from a welfare perspective,” he said.
Participants had hoped the evidence presented would influence the committee to reconsider the decision. “We were hoping after consideration of the submissions that the select committee would have reviewed the decision,” Rennell added.
Government Plans for Transition
Officials say their planning focuses on both people in the industry and the welfare of the dogs. A Ministerial Advisory Committee has recommended establishing a transition agency to oversee the sport’s closure. This agency could assume ownership of greyhounds, covering feeding and care costs until adoption.
Programs for industry workers include mental health services and retraining support. Greyhounds may receive additional behavioral and training support to enhance adoption prospects. Coordination with animal welfare groups, such as the SPCA, is part of the strategy.
Racing Minister Winston Peters emphasized the structured approach: “The intention was always to support the industry as it transitions away from greyhound racing. There has been a campaign of misinformation about greyhounds and owners being left to fend for themselves, but this was never the case… Everyone, including representatives of the greyhound racing sector, rehoming groups, and members of the public, have had the opportunity to have their say.”
Political Debate and Public Support
The ban was first proposed in December 2024 due to persistent animal welfare concerns. Official reviews in 2013, 2017, and 2021 noted high injury rates among racing greyhounds. Public polling indicates broad support for ending the sport, though some politicians, including ACT MP Cameron Luxton, argue that the community deserves stronger protection and have suggested compensation for affected breeders, owners, and venues.
As August approaches, the government continues implementing the transition framework while the industry seeks clarity on the shutdown process and rehoming of remaining greyhounds.
Source:
“New Zealand Plans Greyhound Racing Ban as Industry Seeks Clarity”, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, March 16, 2026
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