Around 70 Greyhounds Arrive in Queensland on Second New Zealand Export Flight
A charter plane with roughly 70 greyhounds landed at Toowoomba Airport, marking the second shipment from New Zealand since the country's racing ban began.
About 70 greyhounds were flown into Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, the second such charter since New Zealand’s August 1 ban on greyhound racing. The ban, driven by welfare concerns, ended a sport that previously involved roughly 1,500 dogs, meaning the recent arrivals represent nearly ten percent of the former racing population. Queensland Racing Minister Tim Mander said the state government had not coordinated the flights but highlighted the sector’s significant economic contribution and the strict safety guidelines that apply to all racing dogs.
Experts from the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals warned that the imports undermine the ban’s purpose and could increase injury rates at venues like The Q in Ipswich. The Greyhound Transition Agency, set up to rehome retired dogs, said it had not facilitated the exports and is monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, Queensland’s RSPCA expressed concern that the additional dogs will strain local rehoming capacity, and the federal Department of Agriculture has been contacted for comment.
Why it matters
The story shows how New Zealand’s greyhound ban is shifting racing dogs to Australia, sparking welfare and regulatory concerns.
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