Source: SAFE For Animals
Today marks the final day of greyhound racing in Aotearoa New Zealand, with the industry officially coming to an end from 1 August 2026.
For SAFE, this milestone reflects something bigger than the end of dog racing. It shows New Zealand is willing to question practices that no longer reflect our values or our expectations for how animals should be treated.
SAFE recognises the extraordinary commitment of Greyhound Protection League, HUHA, SPCA, Dogwatch, rescue organisations, volunteers, and the thousands of New Zealanders who campaigned for change by documenting welfare concerns, contacting decision-makers, signing petitions, attending protests and welcoming greyhounds into their homes.
“Today belongs to the greyhounds. It also belongs to everyone who never gave up on them,” says SAFE Campaign Manager Emma Brodie.
“Change like this doesn’t happen overnight. It happens because people continue speaking up, even when they’re told it’s impossible. Today’s outcome reflects years of persistence from organisations, advocates and everyday New Zealanders who believed greyhounds deserved better.”
While today is a day of hope, Brodie says it is also a time to remember the greyhounds who never got to experience life beyond the racetrack.
“Just days ago, five-year-old greyhound Tiger Jane lost her life on the track. Her death is a heartbreaking reminder of why this change was needed, and why today’s milestone matters. Today, we remember every greyhound who paid the price before this industry came to an end.”
From tomorrow, no more greyhounds will be bred into racing in New Zealand.
“That’s what makes today so significant. No more dogs will enter an industry where injury and death are accepted as part of the business. That’s something every New Zealander can be proud of.”
SAFE says the end of greyhound racing should inspire confidence that New Zealand can continue making meaningful progress for animals.
“History is shaped by moments like this. Practices once defended as tradition can become part of our past when they no longer reflect who we are or the values we aspire to,” says Brodie.
“We hope the end of greyhound racing signals a positive direction for Aotearoa, one where compassion increasingly guides our decisions, and we continue questioning systems that ask animals to suffer for the benefit of humans.”
About SAFE
SAFE is Aotearoa’s leading animal rights organisation. We’re creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
Notes:
• On 28 July 2026 at Addington Raceway in Christchurch, Tiger Jane fell when running with interference around the bend resulting in the greyhound getting dragged down. Referred to the Veterinarian where the greyhound was reported to have a fractured left humerus, she was euthanised due to the catastrophic nature of the injury. She was five years old.
• Since the ban on greyhound racing was announced on 10 December 2024, over 1,100 dogs have suffered raceday injuries requiring a standdown period — including 142 broken bones — and 22 dogs have died (as at 28 July 2026).