Greyhound racing in New Zealand is entering its final days, with the last race meetings taking place this week before the sport is banned from Saturday.
Friday's two race meetings will mark the end of commercial greyhound racing in New Zealand, following the Government's decision in late 2024 to outlaw the sport over ongoing animal welfare concerns.
The SPCA has welcomed the move, calling it "an historic moment" for New Zealand. Senior scientific officer Alison Vaughan said the ban offered "a chance for a brighter future for many greyhounds".
"I think New Zealanders can feel proud of taking this step onto the right side of history," she said.
'Sobering time'
However, Greyhound Racing New Zealand’s chief executive Edward Rennell said it was a "sobering time".
"There are a lot of sad people this week. It’s unfortunate but people are dealing with it. Clearly, we still believe there are no grounds for it [the ban]. It’s an unfair and unjust decision," he said.
The final Manukau Stadium race last Sunday was accompanied by protesters. One man told demonstrators he would kill his dogs after the ban took effect. A video showed a small group of demonstrators exchanging words over a fence with a group from the racetrack. One man yelled: "Guess what, on Monday we’re going to blow all our dogs away. F*** ya."
Police and the SPCA have been notified.
Rennell said the man did not have greyhounds in his care and described the remark as an attempt to provoke protesters.
"That individual does not have dogs in his care. It was a dumb, stupid comment made to wind up the protesters," he said.
Asked whether he had concerns about the welfare of greyhounds once racing ended, Rennell replied: "Absolutely not."
Up to 1400 racing dogs in need of new homes
A Government-funded transition agency has been established to oversee the closure of the industry and the rehoming of racing dogs.
It estimated between 1300 and 1400 greyhounds would need to be adopted. Until permanent homes were found, owners would receive $36 a day for each dog to continue caring for them.
Rennell said it was not an "entirely unreasonable" amount, but should be higher.
"These people, apart from caring and feeding the dogs, have to also earn a living, pay tax, and they can’t seek alternative employment while caring for the dogs," he said.
Peters 'confident' in smooth transition
Minister for Racing Winston Peters, who announced the ban in December 2024, said he was confident the transition would be managed appropriately.
"I'm confident our team... will be on top of this issue and will handle the matter properly," he said.
The Government announced the ban after a series of reviews found the industry had failed to adequately address animal welfare issues, including serious injuries and deaths.
Greyhound Racing NZ defended its record. Rennell said 13 dogs had died from about 36,000 race starts in this final season of racing.
The SPCA said it hoped New Zealand's decision would add to growing international momentum to end greyhound racing.
Vaughan pointed to moves in Scotland and Wales to phase out the sport, and the Tasmanian government's decision to end its financial support for greyhound racing.
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