At least two chartered flights carrying up to 150 greyhounds are scheduled to depart for Australia's eastern states as New Zealand's ban on greyhound racing comes into effect.
Several trainers in New Zealand are relocating their dogs to Australia to continue participating in the sport, according to Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ). The ban, which was first announced in December 2024 and legislated in April, officially takes effect on Saturday. The practice remains legal in most of Australia.
Approximately 1,400 greyhounds will retire in New Zealand under the ban and will require rehoming. Australian authorities have stated that greyhounds arriving from New Zealand will be classified as "companion animals" and will undergo disease screening, including for rabies. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry confirmed that Australia's import requirements for dogs are based on biosecurity risk, not the animal's intended use.
A spokesperson for New Zealand's Racing Minister Winston Peters characterized the relocation plans as "the last gasp actions of a dying industry." Peters cited multiple reviews that concluded dog racing injury and death rates "remain unacceptably high," leading the industry to lose its "social licence." GRNZ disputed these conclusions, with chief executive Edward Rennell asserting that "the greyhound welfare standards are the best of any racing code in New Zealand."
Rennell told the BBC that between six and 10 trainers have expressed interest in moving to Australia, with most New Zealand citizens not requiring a special visa for relocation. GRNZ will cover the full cost of the flights, while owners and trainers will bear other expenses. Rennell indicated that GRNZ would support those seeking to transfer.
Some of the relocated dogs may continue racing in Australia, though Rennell noted they might be less competitive due to a pause in breeding in New Zealand since the ban was announced 18 months ago. New Zealanders can still bet on Australian greyhound racing, which has a significantly larger commercial presence. In 2022-23, the combined value of greyhound racing industries in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria was nearly A$2 billion, dwarfing New Zealand's total of $147 million, according to Greyhounds Australasia.
The Greyhound Transition Agency, overseeing the closure of the industry in New Zealand, acknowledged awareness of arrangements being made to relocate some dogs to Australia for racing purposes but declined further comment. Officials in New South Wales and Victoria stated they were unaware of specific relocation plans within their states, noting that greyhounds can move freely between Australian jurisdictions and New Zealand.