Forced closure of greyhound racing could cost taxpayers $40m

Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) has estimated that the Government’s decision to close greyhound racing could cost the taxpayer at least an additional $40m, primarily due to the cost of looking after greyhounds for up to three years while they wait to be rehomed.

When the decision was made, the Government’s misguided belief was that the greyhound population would be rehomed by 31 July 2026 when racing would finish.

Latest projections provided by GRNZ to the Government is that 1,500 greyhounds will still need to be rehomed following the closure of racing.

GRNZ’s sophisticated rehoming programme has been able to maximise demand and successfully rehome greyhounds as pets at about 650 a year. Given current demand it will take two to three years to rehome all 1,500 greyhounds after the sport’s closure.

Current rehoming costs are met by GRNZ, funded by revenue from racing. Last year it spent $8.3m to rehome 673 greyhounds. There will be no racing after July 2026, so rehoming costs post-closure will have to be funded from alternative sources.

The $40m+ includes housing and veterinary costs for the greyhounds while they wait to get into the GRNZ rehoming programme, the costs of preparation and pet training, and the costs of finding homes and adopting them into these homes. This estimate is based on analysis of GRNZ’s current rehoming costs.

Additional costs to the taxpayer include the Ministerial Advisory Committee and Government officials. Also not included in the calculations is compensation for the assets and losses incurred on closure by racing participants.

Greyhound Racing New Zealand CEO Edward Rennell said:

“Greyhound racing treats its dogs better than most other working animals, while thousands of pets are neglected through the community.

“This additional $40m cost further highlights the Government’s cavalier approach and flawed decision making. Taxpayers are set to lose the industry’s $159m contribution to the economy and could now face an additional unbudgeted cost of $40m to close a sport that doesn't need to close.

“Taking shortcuts is not an option.  GRNZ will continue to stand up for the sake of our participants and the greyhounds in having this flawed decision over-turned and common sense applied.” /Ends

For further information contact:

Liam Constable – 029 200 9842

About GRNZ

Greyhound Racing New Zealand is the governing body for greyhound racing in New Zealand and provides governance, support and assistance to the affiliated clubs in the sport of greyhound racing.

The decision to end greyhound racing has significant economic and social consequences. The sport provides 1,054 full-time equivalent jobs and contributed $159.2 million to the economy in FY23.

The Government announced on 10 December 2024, an intention to legislate to ban greyhound racing in New Zealand from 31 July 2026.

Greyhound Racing New Zealand has applied, through its Counsel to the High Court, for a Judicial Review of the Government’s decision to ban greyhound racing.

Visit www.grnz.co.nz, lovegreyhounds for more information.