New Zealand to end commercial greyhound racing

Commercial greyhound racing in New Zealand enters its final days this week. The Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Act received Royal assent on 9 April 2026. From 1 August 2026, commercial greyhound racing will no longer be permitted anywhere in the country.

As of publication on 28 July 2026, the transition is still in progress. The new law applies only in New Zealand; it does not end greyhound racing elsewhere.

Why New Zealand chose to close the industry

The government says the decision followed several independent reviews of racing-greyhound welfare. When the legislation passed, it said progress had levelled off while injury and death rates remained unacceptably high. The Department of Internal Affairs has published a timeline of the reviews and monitoring that preceded the closure.

The Act sets a firm end date and puts the wind-down in the hands of the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency, known publicly as the Greyhound Transition Agency. It is responsible for closing industry operations, supporting affected people and coordinating care for dogs transferred into its programme.

What happens to the greyhounds

Owners may keep their dogs or transfer ownership to the Transition Agency. From 1 August, the agency will take responsibility for dogs whose owners choose to transfer them.

Under the official plan, experienced carers will guide transferred dogs through a preparation programme for life after racing. Partner adoption organisations then assess them and look for households that suit their individual needs.

Greyhounds kept by their owners will not enter the agency's programme through this transfer process. For dogs that are transferred, placement has to be individual: health, temperament, children, other animals and a household's routine can all affect a match. Prospective adopters should expect questions and an assessment rather than an immediate handover.

How New Zealand residents can help

The official Greyhound Rehoming Project accepts registrations of interest from people who want to adopt, foster, volunteer or sponsor its work. Applicants should describe their household and availability honestly so the project can recommend a suitable role or dog.

For anyone unable to take on a dog permanently, fostering can create short-term capacity and volunteering can support the wider programme. Sharing links from the official project also helps potential adopters avoid outdated or unverified appeals.

What comes after the final races

From 1 August, attention moves from the closure date to the dogs' progress through care and placement. The transition will need experienced carers, adoption partners, well-matched homes and enough time to make those matches carefully.

Readers outside New Zealand should check the law and recognised greyhound organisations where they live. Racing rules and rehoming systems vary by jurisdiction.