New Zealand bans greyhound racing as 150 dogs are flown to Australia

New Zealand's long-awaited ban on greyhound racing became law on Saturday, following a legislative process that started in December 2024. The final racing season saw ten dogs euthanised, one of them a day before the ban took effect. In response, Greyhound Racing New Zealand organized charter flights to transport about 150 greyhounds to Australia, where the sport is still permitted except in the Australian Capital Territory.

Australian officials will classify the arrivals as companion animals, but they could later be used for racing, a point highlighted by senior biosecurity executive Brant Smith. The move has drawn criticism from Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi, who called it a deliberate attempt to sidestep New Zealand's transition agency. Meanwhile, the Greyhound Transition Agency, led by Heather Simpson, expects roughly 1,400 dogs to stay in New Zealand and be rehomed, with ongoing welfare checks. Tasmania's planned phase-out of the sport remains stalled after a withdrawn bill.