New Zealand has announced plans to ban greyhound racing, citing concerns over the welfare of racing dogs. The decision comes as a response to the high number of injuries and deaths suffered by greyhounds in the industry, leading to growing public disapproval.
Greyhound racing, once a popular betting sport, is now set to be phased out in New Zealand, making it one of the few countries to take such a stance. The government aims to halt racing activities by August 1, 2026, allowing for the rehoming of approximately 2,900 racing dogs and the transition of over 1,000 industry employees to other forms of work.
Despite efforts to improve safety measures within the greyhound racing industry, concerns over the treatment of dogs persist. Stricter policies on euthanasia and rehoming programs have been implemented, but the rate of injuries among racing dogs remains high, prompting the government to take action in the animals' best interests.
The move has received widespread political support in New Zealand, with lawmakers acknowledging the global trend of declining interest in greyhound racing. The industry has faced scrutiny in various countries, with some, like the United States, witnessing a significant decrease in the number of operational tracks due to animal welfare issues and changing gambling preferences.
Following the announcement, the government swiftly passed a law to prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of racing dogs during the industry's wind-down period. This measure aims to protect the animals from being put down for economic reasons, ensuring their well-being as the ban on greyhound racing takes effect.
New Zealand's decision reflects a growing shift towards animal welfare considerations in the sporting world, with other countries also reevaluating the ethics of greyhound racing. The move has been praised by animal welfare organizations for showing compassion towards the dogs involved in a hazardous gambling industry.
