Greyhounds Fly to Australia as New Zealand Racing Ban Begins

As New Zealand's ban on greyhound racing takes effect, up to 150 dogs are being flown to Australia to continue their racing careers. The ban, legislated in April after years of animal welfare concerns, saw ten greyhounds euthanized during the final racing season, with one death occurring just days before the prohibition.

Heather Simpson, head of the Greyhound Transition Agency, confirmed that Greyhound Racing New Zealand organized charter flights for approximately 150 dogs destined for Australia. "There is nothing in the legislation that stops trainers choosing to export their dogs to Australia; some of these dogs actually will be partly owned by Australians," she told Radio New Zealand.

Greyhound racing is largely permitted across Australia, with the Australian Capital Territory being a notable exception. Plans for an industry phase-out in Tasmania have faced legislative hurdles. Concerns have been raised that this export is an attempt to circumvent New Zealand's transition efforts, potentially leaving Australian rehoming services to manage the dogs if they are not used for racing.

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There is nothing in the legislation that stops trainers choosing to export their dogs to Australia; some of these dogs actually will be partly owned by Australians.