New Zealand Sends Greyhounds to Australia as Racing Ban Begins — but Racing There Remains Legal

New Zealand's greyhound racing ban took effect on 1 August 2026 after a 2024/25 season that killed 17 dogs and injured over 800. Up to 150 greyhounds are now being sent to Australia, where racing remains legal in several states. Welfare advocates worry some exported dogs may re-enter competition rather than retire as pets. A separate rehoming project aims to place roughly 1,500 dogs over five years.