With a formal ban on greyhound racing now active in New Zealand, several trainers are relocating their racing dogs to Australia. Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) confirmed that at least two charter flights, carrying as many as 150 dogs, are scheduled to depart for eastern Australia to allow the animals to remain in the sport.
The New Zealand government initiated this prohibition following years of scrutiny regarding animal welfare. Racing Minister Winston Peters stated that the industry had forfeited its social license due to consistently high injury and mortality rates. While the vast majority of the 1,400 retiring greyhounds will be placed in homes within New Zealand over the coming years, a smaller group of trainers intends to continue their operations abroad.
Australian officials classify these arriving animals as companion pets, meaning they must undergo standard biosecurity health screenings. While the industry is largely permitted in Australia, the transition is sparking debate. Animal welfare advocates have raised alarms about the logistics of rehoming racing dogs, noting that Australia already faces its own challenges in finding residential placements for retired animals.
GRNZ has committed to subsidizing the costs of these flights for trainers opting to move. However, experts suggest these dogs may struggle to compete at a high level, as breeding activity in New Zealand effectively ceased eighteen months ago when the legislation was first proposed.
