New Zealand has ended commercial greyhound racing, with TAB New Zealand funding a NZ$60 million ($35 million) program to manage the industry’s closure and rehome around 1,400 dogs.
Commercial racing concluded on July 31st, ahead of a legal ban taking effect on August 1st, according to a government statement issued on Friday.
Racing Minister Winston Peters said the program would not use taxpayer funding. TAB NZ will finance the transition using proceeds that would previously have been allocated to the domestic greyhound racing industry.
The Greyhound Transition Agency will coordinate the rehoming program and provide financial support to owners and trainers caring for dogs while permanent homes are found.
“The GTA has a clear plan […] is fully funded and is working with established expert organizations,” Peters said.
The agency is expected to operate until July 2029, although its mandate may be extended for up to two additional years if necessary.
The closure follows legislation passed by Parliament in April with support from all political parties. The government first announced its decision to end greyhound racing in December 2024, citing persistently high injury rates despite reforms introduced by the industry.
Peters said three independent reviews conducted over the past decade had identified unacceptable death and injury rates.
The legislation establishes the framework for closing Greyhound Racing New Zealand and affiliated racing clubs. It also transfers relevant responsibilities, assets and staff to the transition agency as the industry is wound down.
While domestic greyhound racing has ended, TAB NZ can continue accepting bets on greyhound races held overseas. Offshore betting operators are prohibited from accepting such bets from customers located in New Zealand.
