New Zealand has decided to ban greyhound racing, after the government says the rate of animal injuries caused by the sport is “unacceptably high”. The decision will phase out the greyhound racing industry over the next 20 months, giving time for racing dogs to find new homes and people in the industry to find alternative employment.
Greyhound racing has long been a controversial sport in New Zealand. Some breeders have been accused of being involved in incidents like animal abuse and doping. In addition to New Zealand, commercial greyhound racing is permitted in Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Consideration of animal welfare:-
“Although the greyhound racing industry has made significant progress over the past few years, the number of injured dogs is still high. It is time to make the right decisions in the interests of the animals,” New Zealand Racing Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters said in a statement on Tuesday.
Peters noted that the decision was not taken lightly. “This decision has been taken for the welfare of greyhound dogs,” he said. On the same day, the government introduced a bill to prevent the unnecessary killing of animals, which “will be passed urgently,” Peters said. Also, more legislation will be introduced to end greyhound racing.
History of the industry and solutions to problems:-
Three reviews of the greyhound racing industry in the last decade recommended significant changes. However, in 2021, according to local media reports, 232 greyhound dogs died, while 900 were injured. In September of that year, the government issued a “notice” to the industry, but deaths and injuries continued.
Animal rights organization Safe reported that over the next two and a half years, more than 2,500 injuries and nearly 30 deaths occurred. Due to this, the government finally decided to stop greyhound racing.
Part of the income, but the loss is also great:-
Greyhound racing accounts for 8.5% of New Zealand’s NZ$1.3 billion (about $760 million) racing industry and provides about 1,000 full- time jobs. However, the government says the decision was taken for the welfare of animals.
Challenging phase of finding new homes for dogs:-
There are currently 2,900 greyhound dogs in New Zealand, which the government says is a priority to find new homes. Animal rights groups have welcomed the decision. The group SAFE called it a “historic victory for animal rights”. New Zealand’s SPCA, an ancient animal welfare organization, also welcomed the decision and called on other countries that allow greyhound racing to follow suit.
Industry sentiments:-
Greyhound Racing New Zealand, an industry body, has expressed displeasure at the government’s proposal. “This decision will create a cultural vacuum, not just an economic one,” said Sean Hannon, president of the association.
Hannon said, “This decision by the government is disappointing. It ignores the progress we have made.” He urged the government to reconsider the decision.
A milestone:-
This decision is a big leap for animal rights. New Zealand has taken this decision due to the long- term efforts of animal rights organizations, and has shown readiness to set a global example in this field.
