SPCA marks end of greyhound racing season: A deadly toll but a brighter future ahead 

SPCA honours the lives of the fifteen dogs who died or were euthanised following race day injuries in the 2024/2025 racing season.

Tragically, ten of these deaths occurred after the Government's announcement of their intention to ban commercial greyhound racing in December 2024, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.

Among these dogs were Rocket Queen, age 4, euthanised after breaking her front leg, causing the bone to pierce through the skin. Highview Amber, age 3, euthanised due to breaking both bones in both of her front legs. Call the Tune, age 5, collapsed after cramping at the lure and was euthanised due to massive internal bleeding.

“These were not just race statistics. These were sentient beings who felt fear, pain, and distress. They deserved better.” says SPCA Chief Scientific Officer Dr Arnja Dale.

“No one would accept this kind of avoidable harm for pet dogs, and we shouldn’t accept it for greyhounds either.”

On 10 December 2024, the Rt. Hon. Winston Peters made a landmark announcement: commercial greyhound racing in New Zealand will be banned. A Ministerial Advisory Committee has been appointed to advise on rehoming efforts and industry transition.

The 2025/2026 season will be its last, with all racing set to end permanently by 31 July 2026. Rehoming efforts are expected to continue for some time after the last race. Approximately 1,500 greyhounds will be looking for homes.

SPCA acknowledges and thanks Rt. Hon. Winston Peters for taking decisive action. This reflects the weight of a decade of damning independent reports and the strong public and political support calling for change.

SPCA supports the transition period to ensure racing dogs are placed in safe, caring homes, where they can live freely without being used for profit.

The charity also supports a fair and just transition for everyone affected by the end of greyhound racing.

“We will work alongside the Ministerial Advisory Committee, which is leading this work and advising the Minister, to make sure every dog is accounted for as they leave the industry,” says Dr Dale.

Update: Since the publication of this article, there has been a further fatality. Opawa Justin lost his life on 31 July, the final day of the 2024/2025 racing season and just one week after his second birthday. This brings the total number of greyhounds who died or were euthanised due to race-related injuries during the season to sixteen.