The Government has passed legislation to shut down greyhound racing without a workable plan for the thousands of dogs and workers it displaces, creating immediate risk to animal welfare and wellbeing across the country.

Greyhound Racing New Zealand Chief Executive, Edward Rennell, says Parliament has voted for a ban without a plan for its consequences.

“The law has passed, now what happens to the dogs, and the people left without jobs and incomes?

“Thousands of greyhounds and workers are caught in limbo because the Government has not done the basic work required to implement its own policy nor has it committed to repairing the financial damage it causes.”

Rennell says the Minister for Racing, Winston Peters, speaks in riddles about compensation.

“He calls us ‘sinners’ then says we won't be left to fend for ourselves, yet scoffs at the idea that workers forced out of their jobs should be compensated.”

“No one in Government appears able to explain what happens after 31 July 2026.

With only months before a Transition Agency will take over ownership of approximately 1,700 greyhounds, critical questions remain unanswered including where the dogs will go, who will care for them, and what they will be paid for this. Rennell says the wider handling of the issue reflects a Government increasingly out of touch with the real-world consequences of its decisions under Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

“Celebrating a law that dismantles an entire industry, displaces people and animals, destroys lifetime investments, and shatters communities without a clue as to what comes next is not leadership, it's a failure of responsibility.

“Now Christopher Luxon has another 1,054 people joining his growing list of jobless and an extra 1,700 very hungry mouths to feed.”

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