Greyhounds’ Grim Fate: 150 Dogs Flown from New Zealand to Australia to Continue Racing Despite Welfare Concerns
- Up to 150 greyhounds have been flown from New Zealand to Australia on charter flights, sparking outrage from animal welfare groups
- The dogs are destined for Queensland, where greyhound racing remains legal, despite a nationwide ban in New Zealand due to animal welfare concerns
- Animal rights advocates claim the dogs are being “dispatched to another country to keep running for their lives” and will ultimately fall on already overwhelmed charities to rehome
The first flight carrying dozens of greyhounds arrived in Queensland last Thursday, marking the beginning of a mass exodus of dogs from New Zealand to Australia.
The move comes after a nationwide greyhound racing ban came into effect in New Zealand earlier this month, following years of animal welfare concerns.
Footage captured by animal rights group Grassroots Campaigns Aotearoa shows dogs being loaded onto charter flights in Christchurch, with trainers placing them in crates stacked on top of each other.
Animal welfare group Animals Australia has condemned the move, saying the dogs are being sent to Australia to continue racing despite the risks of serious injury and death.
“Instead of finding them loving homes where they can relax and run free, Greyhound Racing New Zealand is putting around 140 dogs on chartered flights to Australia to continue racing here,” the group said in a statement.
The New Zealand government announced the ban on greyhound racing in December 2024, citing persistent and systemic welfare concerns within the industry.
However, the Greyhound Transition Agency (GTA) has confirmed that the export of eligible greyhounds remains lawful, and trainers have acted within the law by sending their dogs to Australia.
The GTA has promised to provide a list of the greyhounds travelling to Australia on charter flights and will work with Australian authorities to ensure their welfare.
But animal welfare groups argue that the export of greyhounds to Australia does not remove the welfare risks associated with racing, but simply moves them across the border.
“The clear intention was for greyhounds to leave racing and be rehomed as companion animals, not exported offshore to continue racing elsewhere,” said Dr Alison Vaughan, SPCA Senior Scientific Officer.
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) has said it is aware of the arrival of greyhounds from New Zealand, but had no role in their transportation.
The commission has promised to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare, integrity, and public confidence in the racing industry.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The arrival of greyhounds from New Zealand has significant implications for animal welfare in Australia.
With Queensland already seeing 26 racing-related greyhound deaths this year, the influx of new dogs raises concerns about the industry’s ability to ensure their safety.
Animal welfare groups are warning that the dogs will ultimately fall on already overwhelmed charities to rehome, placing further pressure on the system.
Security analysts say the move highlights the need for greater cooperation between Australian and New Zealand authorities to address animal welfare concerns.
“The fact that greyhounds are being flown from New Zealand to Australia to continue racing raises serious questions about the industry’s commitment to animal welfare,” said one analyst.
Law enforcement insiders warn that the greyhound racing industry’s willingness to export dogs to Australia despite welfare concerns raises questions about the industry’s compliance with regulations.
“The industry’s actions demonstrate a clear disregard for animal welfare and a focus on profit over safety,” said one insider.
Industry observers believe the move will ultimately damage the reputation of the greyhound racing industry in Australia. “The public will not tolerate the mistreatment of animals, and the industry’s actions will only serve to further erode trust,” said one observer.
