New Zealand has officially brought commercial greyhound racing to an end, with the legislation passed earlier this year now in force after the industry's final day of racing on 31 July.
The ban follows more than a decade of scrutiny into the sport, during which three independent reviews found persistently high rates of greyhound deaths and serious injuries, with little evidence of meaningful improvement.
With racing now concluded, attention has shifted to the welfare of an estimated 1,400 former racing greyhounds. The Greyhound Transition Agency (GTA), established under the legislation, will lead a nationwide rehoming programme while also overseeing the responsible closure of the industry and support for affected participants.
The agency will work alongside established greyhound adoption organisations and experienced carers to prepare dogs for life as household pets, while owners and trainers will receive financial assistance to care for the animals until permanent homes are secured.
The transition programme is backed by NZ$60m (US$35.23m), funded by the TAB using proceeds that would previously have been allocated to the greyhound racing industry. According to the Government, no taxpayer funding will be used.
Racing Minister Winston Peters said the legislation reflected broad public support for ending the sport and marked the beginning of a new chapter focused on animal welfare.
The final week of racing was overshadowed by the death of a greyhound that suffered a broken leg during a race at Addington, an incident Peters described as a reminder of the welfare concerns that ultimately led to the industry's closure.
The Greyhound Transition Agency is encouraging the public to support the rehoming effort by adopting, fostering, volunteering or sponsoring retired racing greyhounds.
The Government said the coordinated programme aims to ensure every former racing greyhound receives appropriate care and the opportunity to find a permanent home as New Zealand completes the transition away from commercial greyhound racing.
The Greyhound Transition Agency has been established as a temporary statutory body to oversee the industry's closure and coordinate a nationwide rehoming effort
