Racing Minister Winston Peters has unveiled the Government’s plan to phase out greyhound racing in New Zealand over the next 20 months, citing animal welfare concerns.
Despite efforts by Greyhound Racing New Zealand to improve safety and reduce fatalities, injury rates among racing dogs remain unacceptably high.
Peters said the decision was not made lightly but was necessary to safeguard the well-being of the estimated 2,900 racing greyhounds in the country. Initial legislation to prevent the unnecessary killing of racing dogs will be passed under urgency, with a second bill to amend the Racing Industry Act 2020 planned for 2025, allowing for a full public consultation process.
To manage the transition, an Advisory Committee chaired by Heather Simpson, alongside Murray Johnson and Lindsay Burton, has been appointed. Their role will focus on rehoming racing dogs, ensuring animal welfare, and supporting those affected by the industry’s closure.
The Government is also collaborating with animal welfare organisations to establish rehoming programmes and prevent unwanted dogs from being abandoned.
Government dont seem too concerned about all the animals dying slow and painful deaths from 1080 poison that they spread everywhere
It seems as of this would help to protect the horse racing industry.
I just wonder exactly how many dogs percentage wise are euthanised upon retirement?
Government, get the F out of my life!