Dog-gone: New Zealand greyhound racing comes to an end

Greyhound racing in New Zealand bids its farewell on Friday, with Hatrick raceway at Whanganui to host the final race in the code at 6:55pm local time.

The controversial ban on the sport, announced by racing minister Winston Peters in late 2024, takes place from August 1, with 1400 active greyhounds needing to be rehomed.

While Hatrick will be the official final race, one of the venues on the final day, Addington in Christchurch, was the same place where greyhound racing officially began 78 years ago.

While greyhound clubs have existed in New Zealand since 1876, the first official meeting was staged at the Christchurch venue in 1948, although the code was not granted totalisator betting rights until 1978.

Trans-Tasman industry group Greyhounds Australasia (GA) acknowledged the final race meeting and the end of what it described as “a proud industry with a rich and longstanding history”.

“Greyhound racing has been part of the New Zealand sporting landscape for generations, providing opportunities for participants, clubs and communities across the country and creating a strong connection between people and greyhounds,” it said.

“GA acknowledges the significant contribution made by the many people who have been involved in the New Zealand industry over many decades – including owners, trainers, breeders, kennel staff, veterinarians, club officials, volunteers and the many others who have supported the sport and cared for greyhounds throughout their racing careers and on to loving homes.”

GA chief executive Simon Stout, who has been attending race meetings across both the North and South Island this week ahead of the closure, said support will remain in place for impacted industry members.

“GA remains committed to supporting Greyhound Racing New Zealand, the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency and industry participants as they navigate this challenging period and the uncertain future ahead,” he said.

“Our immediate and primary focus remains the welfare of the greyhounds and the people who love and care for them, both on and off the track. The transition will involve significant challenges.”

In a statement released on the final day of racing, Minister Peters defended the decision and said the focus is now on rehoming the 1400 active dogs with the Greyhound Transition Agency (GTA) appointed to coordinate the task.

“The GTA has a clear plan – the Greyhound Rehoming Project – is fully funded and is working with established expert organisations who have been rehoming racing industry greyhounds for years,” he said.

“The rehoming plan ensures owners (and) trainers of former racing dogs have financial support to care for animals until they are rehomed.”

He said the message from the New Zealand public about animal welfare concerns was loud and clear and defended the cost of rehoming.

“There was clear, strong support from most New Zealanders that ending greyhound racing was the right thing to do,” he said.

“No taxpayer money is being used in the $60 million program which is funded by the TAB using proceeds that would previously have gone into greyhound racing.”

“The last week of racing was sadly marked by yet another death of a greyhound which was put down after breaking her leg in a race at Addington on Wednesday. It was a tragic reminder of the toll of deaths and serious injury for an industry which had run out of social licence to operate. 

“Let that be the last death of a racing dog, and we encourage Kiwis to get onboard in providing these greyhounds with a loving home and a brighter future.”

Figures released by Entain in May showed greyhound racing accounted for about 12 per cent of New Zealand racing wagering turnover.