Greyhounds bound for Australia as New Zealand racing ban takes effect
Summary
New Zealand has banned greyhound racing and about 1,400 greyhounds will retire and need new homes. Some trainers are moving their dogs to Australia, where greyhound racing is still allowed, to continue the sport.Key Facts
- New Zealand's greyhound racing ban began in April 2024 and took effect in June 2024.
- Around 1,400 greyhounds in New Zealand will retire and require rehoming due to the ban.
- Some New Zealand trainers plan to relocate up to 150 greyhounds to Australia by chartered flights.
- Australia treats imported greyhounds as companion animals and screens them for diseases like rabies.
- Greyhound Racing New Zealand will pay for the dogs' flights, while other costs fall on owners and trainers.
- Most New Zealand trainers moving to Australia do not need special visas because citizens can live there freely.
- The ban followed multiple reviews that found high injury and death rates in the sport in New Zealand.
- Greyhound racing industries in parts of Australia are much larger in value than New Zealand’s former industry.
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