SPCA welcomes historic milestone as greyhounds look to life beyond

With racing concluding, the focus shifts to ensuring greyhounds exiting the industry have the opportunity to enjoy life as cherished companion animals. Around 1,300 greyhounds are now expected to require rehoming, substantially fewer than the 1,700 previously forecast by Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ).

SPCA Chief Scientific Officer Dr Arnja Dale says the end of racing represents a landmark moment for animal welfare and a better future for hundreds of dogs.

"This is a historic day for animal welfare. It's the beginning of a new chapter where greyhounds can simply be loved as family pets."

Dr Dale says the remaining rehoming challenge is significant but achievable. Based on GRNZ’s previously reported rehoming rates, the remaining greyhounds could be placed in homes within around two years. The Greyhound Transition Agency has also indicated it intends to scale up rehoming efforts, potentially shortening that timeframe even further.

"This is a challenge New Zealand can meet. The public has always opened its homes to greyhounds leaving the racing industry, and we're confident many more New Zealanders will step forward at this historic moment to offer these wonderful dogs a place in their homes and in their hearts."

Greyhounds are gentle, affectionate dogs that often adapt well to life in a home and make wonderful pets.

SPCA acknowledges the significant efforts of rehoming organisations, foster carers, adopters and volunteers who continue to play a vital role in supporting greyhounds through this transition.

"The racing is ending, but the work certainly isn't. Our focus now is providing support to the Greyhound Transition Agency to help greyhounds find the loving homes they deserve."

The welfare of every greyhound remains the priority. A successful transition will require careful planning, adequate resourcing and collaboration between the Transition Agency, rehoming organisations, veterinarians, adopters and the wider community. SPCA will continue to support efforts that prioritise the welfare of greyhounds throughout the rehoming process.

Dr Dale says the ban was necessary after years of welfare concerns and repeated but unsuccessful attempts to improve outcomes within the industry.

The closure follows a twenty-month wind-down period after the Government announced the ban on commercial greyhound racing on 10 December 2024, allowing time for industry participants to transition and for greyhounds to begin moving into homes and rehoming programmes.

New Zealand's decision has also resonated well beyond its borders. The ban has acted as a catalyst for change internationally, helping to prompt bans in Scotland and Wales, while contributing to growing momentum towards prohibition in Tasmania, Western Australia and the United States.

The international response underscores the global significance of the example New Zealand has set and highlights growing recognition of the welfare concerns associated with greyhound racing.