Dramatic Drop in Greyhound Injuries
Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) welcomes news the rate of serious greyhound raceday injuries has fallen dramatically, following years of work to evolve welfare-focused initiatives — including world-leading 7-dog race fields with a vacant Box 1.
The injury rates are verified by the Racing Integrity Board (RIB). Acting on behalf of the Government, the RIB ensures compliance with high standards of integrity, animal welfare, and professionalism within the racing industry. Audits conducted by the RIB demonstrate that GRNZ consistently satisfies or exceeds the metrics required of it.
In the three months ending 30 September 2025, the most severe injury category—Category F injuries, which include raceday euthanasias—fell to 1.6 per 1,000 starts. This is less than half the rate of 4.4 per 1,000 starts recorded in the six months to 31 January 2025, marking a significant improvement since the Government announced the industry's closure in December 2024.
Edward Rennell, Chief Executive of GRNZ, says the results are no accident:
“We’ve worked hard, long before closure was on the cards, to evolve the support systems and race configurations in line with increasing expertise and understanding. We monitor injuries more comprehensively than any other animal code in New Zealand. This is a remarkable achievement that reflects years of thoughtful, science-led work to make racing safer.”
All injury categories have shown downward trends, thanks to sustained efforts across track design, veterinary oversight, participant education, migration to straight track, and race day management. GRNZ’s pioneering 7-dog format, with a vacant inside box, has proven to be the most effective configuration for reducing congestion and risk on the track.
GRNZ’s welfare advances come at a time when other animal welfare issues are worsening nationwide. Auckland Council has reported a crisis of unwanted dogs, with overflowing shelters and an increase in euthanasias to manage capacity. SPCA continues to cite rising demand and pressures on its services but refuses to release its own euthanasia data, leaving a significant gap in transparency around New Zealand’s companion animal welfare.
“If Christopher Luxon’s Government truly cared about animal welfare, it would prioritise evidence-based initiatives that address real, large-scale problems. Greyhound racing is one of the most highly monitored and traceable animal codes in the country — far ahead of others, including horse racing, in terms of transparency,” says Rennell.
“Unlike big animal charities, we don’t euthanise animals to create capacity.”
While Minister for Racing Winston Peters has said the greyhound racing ban reflects the Government’s concern for animal welfare, GRNZ believes it will do nothing to address the country’s companion animal welfare crises.
Working animals play important roles in customs, law enforcement, military service, farming, hunting, and entertainment. Greyhounds, like racehorses, have long had a place in sporting culture. But unlike some codes, greyhound racing has demonstrated its capacity to evolve — quickly and meaningfully.
“We’ve embraced reform and built systems that prioritise welfare without compromising the integrity of the sport,” Rennell says.
“This injury reduction milestone proves that meaningful change is possible — when there’s a genuine commitment to continuous improvement. It is a travesty that the Government did not give this due consideration when making the decision to close the industry without consulting GRNZ on the true facts.”
For inquiries and interviews please contact GRNZ CEO Edward Rennell:
NZ Greyhounds: The Best Cared For Dogs
All greyhounds are microchipped.
Neo-natal mortality is much lower than other breeds: Research shows others to be 100% to 800% worse.
Not subject to elective-euthanasia as pups.
Greyhounds are not brachycephalic. According to SPCA, “Brachycephalic breeds have captured the hearts of animal lovers worldwide, but this love is blind to the often severe health issues that compromise these animals’ wellbeing and force them to suffer.”
Litters remain with their mothers much longer than other domestic breeds.
One of the reasons for their reputation as great pets is the care and attention they receive throughout their life in a racing kennel.
They are well fed, exercised and medically looked after - including the highest vaccination rates in the world.
Zero cases of obesity: According to SPCA “... as pets get bigger, their lives get shorter. Obesity can shorten a dog’s life expectancy by 25%. Pet obesity can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, kidney disease, respiratory distress, high blood pressure, and cancers.”
Greyhounds get to do what they love. (Although those that choose not to race -simply don't. There is no means to coax them if they do not want to.)
Racing greyhounds are inspected by a vet more often than any other animal.
Racing greyhounds are more documented than any other animal, even the most superficial racing injury is publicly recorded.
The number of litters a female can whelp is restricted.
Greyhounds must be specifically registered for breeding, those with genetic defects will not be registered.
De-sexing is mandatory for all pets leaving the Industry.
* Other issues NOT associated with Greyhounds:
Boxers: PD Insurance NZ says they are prone to hip dysplasia, heart problems, and cancer.
Cocker Spaniels: PD Insurance NZ says they are prone to a wide range of health issues, including ear infections, eye problems, and certain genetic conditions.
Dachshunds: PD Insurance NZ says they are known for back issues due to their long spines and short legs, as well as hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and dental problems.
German Shepherds: PD Insurance NZ says they are at risk for hip and elbow dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and other eye problems.
Golden Retrievers: PD Insurance NZ says they can be predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, and certain types of cancer.
Labrador Retrievers: PD Insurance NZ says they are prone to joint problems, obesity, heart diseases, cataracts, and ear infections.
* Source: https://www.pdinsurance.co.nz/blogs/tag/purebred-dogs/
