Between the racing seasons of 2020 to 2022, 1,737 greyhounds were injured and 160 died. Those bred to race are subjected to mistreatment, lack of socialisation, poor nutrition and inadequate shelter. Once on the track, they can race up to 70kmh leading to fatal collisions, broken bones and paralysis. The greyhound racing industry exists for gambling profits, not because greyhounds love to race. These are clear violations of the Animal Welfare 1999 therefore change is needed. 

We are calling for Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, Racing Minister Kieran McAnulty, and Associate Minister of Agriculture Jo Luxton, to amend the Racing Act 2020 to ban commercial greyhound racing in New Zealand. And to enact policies that ensure all ex-racing greyhounds are appropriately rehabilitated and re-homed.

The upcoming NZ elections are delaying the Government’s decisions on the future of greyhound racing. However, the longer we wait, the more dogs are submitted to gruelling injuries, paralysis, deaths and euthanasia. We need to enact change now. 

Visit our instagram page, @savethehounds_, to learn more about greyhound racing in New Zealand!