Posted on: December 10, 2024, 06:42h.
Last updated on: December 10, 2024, 06:42h.
New Zealand plans to prohibit commercial greyhound racing due to concerns about the welfare of dogs in the country. This decision comes as the government aims to prevent unnecessary harm to the animals and phase out the industry over the next 20 months to facilitate the rehoming of approximately 2,900 racing greyhounds.
The bill for this ban will be passed urgently, with the intention of safeguarding the well-being of racing dogs in the country. Despite efforts made by the industry in recent years to address concerns, the government believes that the high number of injuries sustained by the dogs necessitates this decision for their protection.
This is not a decision that is taken lightly but is ultimately driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs,” said New Zealand’s deputy prime minister and racing minister, Winston Peters.
Greyhound racing is still legal in Australia, Ireland, the UK, and the US, but the ban will make New Zealand join in with 42 US states that have already prohibited the sport. Other countries like Scotland are also considering similar bans.
Although commercial greyhound racing still takes place in Mexico, Vietnam, and Macau, there are no active tracks in operation. Concerns about the welfare of racing greyhounds have prompted New Zealand to take this historic step, as the industry has been under scrutiny for a decade due to the high number of injuries and fatalities among the animals involved.
Impact of the Decision
The decision to ban greyhound racing has been described by animal rights groups as historic, while industry representatives have expressed disappointment over the outcome. Despite the industry’s efforts to address concerns and promote animal welfare, the government believes that this move is necessary to protect the well-being of racing dogs in New Zealand.
This decision is not just about the sport – it affects families, businesses, and communities who have dedicated their lives to caring for and racing greyhounds,” said Sean Hannan, chair of industry body Greyhound Racing NZ.
The transition away from greyhound racing will impact not only the industry itself but also the individuals and communities involved in the sport. The government aims to provide support during this transition period to ensure the well-being of the racing dogs and those affected by the ban.