New Zealand's Greyhound Racing Ban Begins — But Dogs Head to Australia Where Racing Continues

New Zealand banned greyhound racing on 1 August 2026 after a season that killed 17 dogs and injured over 800. Up to 150 greyhounds are being exported to Australia, where racing stays legal in several states. Welfare groups fear some may re-enter competition instead of retiring as pets. A separate rehoming effort aims to place roughly 1,500 dogs over five years.