Greyhounds bound for Australia as New Zealand racing ban takes effect
New Zealand has officially banned greyhound racing, leading some trainers to relocate their dogs to Australia to continue the sport. While most of the 1,400 affected dogs will be rehomed in New Zealand, the move has sparked debate over animal welfare and the industry's social license.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the growing global tension between traditional animal-based sports and modern animal welfare standards.
Image source, Phil Walter/Getty Images Image caption, New Zealand has outlawed greyhound racing, but neighbouring Australia has not
At least two chartered flights carrying up to 150 greyhounds are set to fly to Australia's eastern states, as a New Zealand ban on the sport comes into effect.
Several greyhound trainers in New Zealand are responding to a new ban by moving their dogs to Australia with plans to continue in the sport, governing body Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) told the BBC.
While the ban across New Zealand takes effect on Saturday, the practice remains legal almost everywhere in Australia.
The ban was first announced in December 2024 , and legislated in April. Approximately 1,400 greyhounds will retire in New Zealand under the ban and require rehoming.
Australian authorities say that greyhounds arriving from New Zealand are classed as "companion animals" which will undergo screening for diseases such as rabies.
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