Racing Minister Winston Peters is welcoming the passing of legislation that will end greyhound racing in August.

The Racing Industry Amendment passed its third and final reading with “overwhelming” cross-party support, Peters said.

“This action wasn’t taken lightly, but independent reviews in 2013, 2017 and 2021 provided clear evidence of serious animal welfare concerns.

“While improvements were made, those gains plateaued and injury/death rates remained unacceptably high to the point the sport had lost its social licence. Action had to be taken.”

The bill enables a transition agency to be established to oversee the wind‑down of racing and the rehoming of dogs once racing ends in August.

The agency would be headed by members of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on greyhound racing, Heather Simpson (chairwoman), Murray Johnson and Dr Lindsay Burton, with a fourth member to be appointed later.

Peters said the people involved in greyhound racing and the dogs would not be abandoned during the closure.

“This bill underpins a structured transition, with funding, agencies and support mechanisms in place. We are not walking away from our responsibilities; we are meeting them head-on.”

The ban on greyhound racing would take effect from August 1, allowing time for a responsible and carefully managed transition.

“This is a good day for greyhounds,” Peters said.

“It’s a rare moment when Parliament speaks with such a strong majority, principled voice. Those moments matter, and this is one of them.”

– RNZ