A Landmark Victory! New Zealand Bans Cruel & Archaic Greyhound Racing

In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves through the animal rights community, New Zealand has officially banned greyhound racing, marking a huge victory for animal welfare. This historic move comes after years of mounting public pressure, evidence of abuse, and tireless campaigning by animal advocates.

The New Zealand government has announced that it will phase out the “sport,” with a full ban set to take effect by August 2026. New Zealand now joins a growing list of countries and regions that are taking steps to protect animals from the inherent cruelty of greyhound racing, setting an important precedent for the rest of the world.

”With this ban, the Government has finally honored the voices of New Zealanders who have fought long and hard to end greyhound racing. This victory is a testament to the tireless campaigning efforts by animal advocates and the public demanding better for greyhounds,” shared SAFE for Animals on social media.

“Greyhounds are gentle, loyal dogs who are ready to bring love and companionship into caring homes across Aotearoa,” continued the post by SAFE for Animals. “The Government must now ensure a smooth transition for these dogs, supporting their rehabilitation and rehoming into permanent loving homes where they belong.”

Greyhound racing has long been a controversial sport, with critics highlighting the severe physical and psychological toll it takes on the dogs involved. Contrary to the glamorous image of sleek, fast dogs racing around a track, the reality of greyhound racing is far darker. Greyhounds are often treated as commodities, bred for profit, and subjected to grueling training regimens from a young age. These dogs typically spend most of their lives confined to small kennels, with little space to exercise or socialize.

The physical demands of racing take a brutal toll on the dogs. Injuries are common, with broken legs, torn ligaments, and spinal injuries often occurring during races. But it’s not just the injuries that make greyhound racing cruel — it’s also the fate of the dogs who don’t make the cut. Once a greyhound’s racing career is over, many are discarded. Estimates suggest that thousands of dogs are killed each year once they are no longer deemed useful. These dogs are often euthanized, abandoned, or sold off for purposes like illegal gambling or breeding.

Additionally, greyhounds used in racing can suffer from chronic stress, anxiety, and neglect. The lives of these dogs are defined by the race track, where their worth is measured solely by their ability to perform. While some tracks in New Zealand and around the world have made small improvements, the fundamental nature of the industry remains exploitative and harmful to the dogs involved.

The decision by New Zealand’s government to ban greyhound racing by 2026 is a monumental step toward protecting animals from exploitation and cruelty. This decision follows a 2020 review of the industry, which found widespread issues with animal welfare, including high injury rates, poor living conditions, and the large-scale euthanasia of retired racing dogs.

While New Zealand’s ban is a major victory, it is only one part of a much larger battle to end the cruelty of greyhound racing worldwide. Unfortunately, countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States still operate greyhound racing tracks. Although some regions have introduced reforms, the industry continues to thrive in others. The continued existence of greyhound racing around the world highlights the need for a global movement to bring an end to this outdated and inhumane practice.

We must persist in our efforts to ban greyhound racing globally, advocating for stricter laws, raising awareness, and supporting organizations that rescue and rehabilitate retired greyhounds. The momentum created by New Zealand’s ban should serve as a catalyst for further action, encouraging other nations to follow suit.