Greyhound racing ban crosses the finish line to become law

SPCA welcomes the passing of the Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing) Amendment Bill, marking a historic milestone for animal welfare in New Zealand.

The Bill passed with overwhelming support in Parliament – 112 votes in favour and only 11 opposed - demonstrating a strong political mandate that greyhound racing no longer aligns with modern expectations of animal welfare.

“This is a truly historic moment for animal welfare in New Zealand. After years of advocacy, multiple damning reviews, and public concern, the ban has finally been made law,” says Dr Arnja Dale, SPCA Chief Scientific Officer.

For many years, SPCA worked with the greyhound racing industry in an effort to improve welfare outcomes. However, despite attempts at reform, serious harm continued both on and off the track. SPCA ultimately concluded that the only way to prevent the inherent welfare harms associated with commercial greyhound racing was to end the practice entirely.

The most recent racing season was the deadliest since the industry was placed on notice in 2021, with 16 greyhounds dying or being euthanised due to injuries sustained during racing. The industry also continues to fall short of their own KPIs for reducing serious injuries, exceeding these across the last season and the current one.

“This marks a new chapter for greyhounds. The end is now in sight. From 1 August 2026, greyhounds will no longer be put at risk for profit,” says Dr Dale.

Public support for ending greyhound racing has been strong and sustained with 75 per cent of the New Zealand public in support of a ban: New Zealanders want better lives for greyhounds.

The Select Committee process provided an important opportunity for industry participants, animal welfare experts, advocacy groups, and the public to all share their views, and the report recommended legislation to ban commercial greyhound racing be passed.

“This outcome is the result of years of advocacy, evidence, and public support. It shows that sustained focus on animal welfare leads to meaningful change,” Dr Dale says.

SPCA also acknowledges the leadership shown in bringing this legislation forward. “Special recognition is due to Rt. Hon. Winston Peters for his leadership and courage in introducing this legislation. His role has been instrumental in bringing about this historic outcome, and in helping ensure New Zealand takes a decisive step forward for animal welfare,” says Dr Dale.

New Zealand’s 2024 announcement of the decision to ban greyhound racing catalysed international change, with Scotland and Wales among those who have recently passed a ban into law and the United States and Tasmania continuing to advance plans to phase out their greyhound racing industries.

“We are seeing a clear global shift away from greyhound racing. With this ban, New Zealand is placing itself on the right side of that change,” says Dr Dale.

SPCA supports a fair and just transition for people working within the industry and is committed to working collaboratively to ensure the welfare of all impacted greyhounds. “This is not the end of responsibility - it’s the beginning of a new phase. We must now ensure the greyhounds are supported into a safe and secure future,” says Dr Dale.

SPCA will continue working with government, rehoming organisations and other stakeholders to ensure every greyhound has the opportunity to transition into a loving home.