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 takes effect today. Several New Zealand greyhound trainers are moving their dogs to Australia with intentions to continue in the sport, according to Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ).
The ban, first announced in December 2024 and legislated in April, will lead to approximately 1,400 greyhounds requiring rehoming in New Zealand. While the ban is now active across New Zealand, greyhound racing remains legal in most parts of Australia.
GRNZ chief executive Edward Rennell stated that between six and 10 trainers have expressed interest in relocating to Australia. GRNZ will cover the full cost of the flights, with owners and trainers bearing other expenses. Rennell noted that some of the dogs will continue training and racing in Australia, though their competitiveness may be reduced as breeding largely paused in New Zealand 18 months ago.
New Zealand's Racing Minister Winston Peters's spokesperson described the relocation plans as "the last gasp actions of a dying industry." Peters previously stated the industry had "lost its social licence" due to persistently high dog injury and death rates, a claim disputed by GRNZ.
Australian authorities classify arriving greyhounds as "companion animals" and will screen them for diseases like rabies. Officials confirmed 80 greyhounds were exported from New Zealand to Queensland via a chartered flight in April 2025.