Greyhounds bound for Australia as New Zealand racing ban takes effect

What the report says

At least two chartered flights carrying as many as 150 greyhounds are expected to leave New Zealand for Australia’s eastern states as New Zealand’s greyhound racing ban takes effect, according to BBC reporting. The move comes as some trainers and owners look to keep working in the sport, while others face the wider shutdown of the industry and the need to rehome dogs that can no longer race.

Greyhound Racing New Zealand said between six and 10 trainers have indicated interest in relocating, with details still being worked out over the next two weeks. The organisation said it would pay for the flights, while owners and trainers would cover other expenses. New Zealand officials said the vast majority of about 1,300 to 1,400 greyhounds will instead be rehomed over the next couple of years. The ban was announced in late 2024 and passed into law in April.

Australia remains a major market for the sport, and incoming dogs are treated as companion animals subject to biosecurity screening. New Zealand Racing Minister Winston Peters’ office described the relocations as the final move of a declining industry, while GRNZ argued the welfare standards in New Zealand had been strong. The article also noted that some greyhounds were exported earlier this year, and that Australian welfare advocates and lawmakers have raised concerns about whether enough homes exist for retired racing dogs.