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New Zealand to Ban Greyhound Racing by 2026, Citing High Injury Rates and TAB NZ Monopoly Extension

Dec 10, 2024, 08:46 AM

The New Zealand government has announced plans to ban greyhound racing, citing significant animal welfare concerns, particularly the high rates of injury and death among racing dogs. This decision marks a significant shift in the country's approach to animal welfare, as New Zealand is one of only five countries where commercial greyhound racing is still permitted. The ban is set to be implemented gradually, with a complete phase-out planned by the end of 2026. The government emphasized that the practice is inconsistent with New Zealand's reputation as a quality exporter and is not beneficial for animal welfare. In a related development, the government has also introduced legislation to extend the monopoly held by TAB NZ for retail sports betting and horse racing to include online markets, further reshaping the landscape of gambling in the country.