New Zealand Parliament Passes Bill to Protect Greyhounds as Racing Industry Closes

In a significant parliamentary session, the New Zealand House of Representatives passed the second reading of the Racing Industry (Unlawful Destruction of Specified Greyhounds) Amendment Bill on [Date]. This legislation aims to safeguard greyhounds during the transition period leading up to the closure of the country's commercial greyhound racing industry by August 2026.

A Unified Call for Urgency and Protection

The debate was led by Winston Peters, Minister for Racing, who emphasized the urgency of the bill. He highlighted that while most within the greyhound industry are expected to act responsibly, there is a risk that some owners might euthanize their dogs due to their diminished economic value following the industry's closure.

Tangi Utikere from Labour supported this call by referencing reports like Sir Bruce Robertson’s 2021 investigation. This report identified issues with oversight in euthanasia practices and underscored the necessity of this bill to address these concerns, ensuring that greyhounds are not destroyed unnecessarily.

Legal Framework and Deterrents

Cameron Brewer of National elaborated on the legal framework introduced by the bill, detailing penalties for unlawful destruction. Offenders could face up to 12 months' imprisonment or a $50,000 fine unless exceptions are met, such as veterinary euthanasia under specific guidelines.

Cross-Party Support and Ethical Considerations

The debate saw unanimous support across party lines. Hana-Ra-whiti Maipi-Clarke of Te Pāti Māori expressed her party's backing for the bill. Francisco Hernández from Green also supported it, acknowledging its importance in protecting animal welfare.

Labour’s Hon Damien O’Connor provided historical context, recognizing the contributions of those involved in the greyhound industry while stressing the ethical need to close it due to concerns over animal injuries and welfare.

Transition Oversight and Future Directions

Tom Rutherford from National highlighted the establishment of a ministerial advisory group chaired by Heather Simpson to oversee the transition process. This oversight is crucial for ensuring the welfare of greyhounds during this period, as New Zealand moves towards closing its commercial racing industry by August 2026.

Hon Peeni Henare from Labour acknowledged those who have invested in the industry, emphasizing the need for a compassionate transition framework that respects both animal welfare and stakeholders' livelihoods.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Humane Treatment

The unanimous passage of the bill marks a significant step towards ensuring the humane treatment of greyhounds as New Zealand moves towards closing its commercial racing industry by August 2026. This legislative action underscores the country's commitment to animal welfare and reflects a broader societal shift towards more ethical treatment of animals in sports.

With broad support across political parties, this bill sets a precedent for how industries can transition with compassion and responsibility, ensuring that greyhounds are treated with dignity and care during their future as pets rather than racing commodities.