Racing minister Winston Peters backs a transition strategy that would create a dedicated agency to oversee the sector’s shutdown.
New Zealand.- Racing Minister Winston Peters has welcomed a proposed framework to rehome greyhounds as New Zealand moves forward with its plan to phase out commercial greyhound racing. The legislative framework establishes a dedicated Greyhound Racing Transition Agency to oversee the closure of the industry.
The agency will be responsible for managing the wind-down of Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ), facilitating the rehoming of racing dogs and providing support to workers affected. It would track the ownership and welfare of greyhounds until they are rehomed and maintain records of adoption outcomes.
Peters said: “The intention was always to support the industry as it transitions away from greyhound racing. There has been a campaign of misinformation suggesting owners would be left to fend for themselves, but this was never the case.”
The Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Bill aims to end domestic greyhound racing by August 1, 2026. First, the new agency will be established and take over relevant functions from GRNZ. Racing will then cease, with the organisation and its associated clubs gradually wound down before the transition agency itself is eventually disestablished, potentially by 2029.
Industry and community stakeholders have contributed to the process through a parliamentary select committee review, which gathered submissions from more than 2,000 individuals and organisations.
The Ministerial Advisory Committee guiding the process has outlined several measures, including options for the transition agency to assume ownership of greyhounds and cover their care and feeding until they are rehomed, alongside behavioural training programmes aimed at improving adoption outcomes. The Government intends to collaborate with groups such as the SPCA and other adoption networks.
Support measures planned for people working in the industry include retraining opportunities and mental health services for those whose livelihoods have been closely tied to greyhound racing.
The decision to end greyhound racing followed a series of reviews which highlighted concerns around animal welfare within the industry. While the closure has sparked debate among some industry stakeholders, opinion polls in New Zealand suggest strong public support for ending the sport.
Peters said the transition would be gradual and carefully managed. “This is a deliberate, multi-stage process designed to ensure fairness and good outcomes for both people and animals,” he said. “Nothing changes overnight, and our focus remains on a smooth and responsible transition.”
Racing minister Winston Peters backs a transition strategy that would create a dedicated agency to oversee the sector’s shutdown. New Zealand.- Racing Minister Winston Peters has welcomed a proposed framework to rehome greyhounds as New Zealand moves forward with its plan to phase out commercial greyhound racing. The legislative framework establishes a dedicated Greyhound Racing…
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