In brief
The ban on greyhound racing in New Zealand now forces a move of up to 150 dogs to Australia, where the sport remains legal. Officials say the animals will be treated as companion animals and screened for disease. While the majority of dogs will be rehomed, a handful of trainers and their dogs are relocating to keep racing alive. The change raises concerns over increased animal transfers, biosecurity protocols and the future of the New Zealand greyhound industry.
At least two chartered flights are carrying up to 150 greyhounds from New Zealand to Australia as the sport’s ban takes effect on Saturday.
The move is a response to a ban announced in December 2024 and legislated in April, which will see approximately 1,400 racing dogs from the country retired or rehomed.
Australian authorities classify the incoming dogs as companion animals, subject to standard disease screening, including rabies tests.
A spokesperson for New Zealand’s Racing Minister described the relocation as “the last gasp actions of a dying industry,” while the Greyhound Racing New Zealand chief executive said the organization would cover flight costs and support trainers who move.
The Australian greyhound industry remains large, with Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria estimated to be worth almost A$2bn in recent years, compared with New Zealand’s $147m total.
Earlier in the year, 80 dogs were found flown from New Zealand to Queensland via a chartered flight, and some trainers have already expressed interest in relocating.
Conservation groups warned of loopholes that might allow continued export of racing dogs and highlighted the already strained rehoming capacity for retired greyhounds, including thousands currently in Australia.
The local news story is illustrated by footage of greyhound racing in Auckland, captured during a final meet at Manukau Stadium, and of owners and trainers gathered at the same venue.
